Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud has conveyed the 'firm' commitment of Saudi leadership to further deepening of "fraternal ties and multi-faceted cooperation with Pakistan in various fields including trade, investment, energy and tourism".
This was stated by the PM House in a statement after a meeting between Prime Minister Imran Khan and the visiting Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud who arrived here on Thursday on a daylong visit.
Underscoring the key importance of the core relationship between the Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, the PM House media office stated that Saudi foreign minister conveyed the "firm commitment of the Saudi leadership to the further deepening of fraternal ties and multi-faceted cooperation between the two countries".
"Prince Faisal also reaffirmed the resolve to deepen bilateral collaboration in all fields, including trade, investments, energy and tourism sectors," according to the statement, adding that the Saudi foreign minister also reiterated Saudi Arabia's steadfast support for Pakistan's core national issues.
During the meeting, views were exchanged on bilateral relations as well as regional developments.
While welcoming the visiting Saudi foreign minister, the prime minister underscored the special significance of the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relationship which is based on close fraternal ties, historic links, and support at the grassroots level. He recalled the visit of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Pakistan in February 2019 and the depth and substance that it imparted to bilateral cooperation in diverse fields.
Prime Minister Imran Khan appreciated the growing economic ties between the two countries and the Saudi commitment for investment in various sectors, particularly petrochemicals, mining and renewable energy.
The prime minister expressed the hope that the Saudi team for extending support in the development of tourism sector will visit Pakistan soon, as agreed with the Crown Prince during the Prime Minister's recent visit to Saudi Arabia.
He also highlighted in detail the worsening human rights and humanitarian situation in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJ&K).
He also highlighted India's discriminatory Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and underscored that the Indian government is engaged in systematic efforts to marginalize and disenfranchise minorities, particularly Muslims.
The prime minister stated that, in addition, India's belligerent actions on the LoC are stoking further tensions and imperiling regional peace and security. He stressed that the international community must play its role in ensuring respect for the rights and freedoms of the Kashmiri people, facilitate a just solution of the Jammu & Kashmir dispute, and take steps for the protection of minorities in India.
It stated that the Saudi foreign minister conveyed the 'most cordial' greetings of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman to the leadership and people of Pakistan as well as their deep appreciation for the role being played by Pakistan for regional peace and stability.
"The enhanced role of the OIC in the context of Jammu & Kashmir dispute was discussed," it added.
This was the maiden visit of the Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud to Pakistan since assuming office. Both sides affirmed their commitment to maintain frequent high-level contacts and forge closer collaboration on bilateral matters and regional issues.
Earlier in the day, the visiting Saudi foreign minister met Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office, the foreign minister warmly welcomed the Saudi foreign minister on his maiden visit to Pakistan. During the detailed deliberations, the entire gamut of bilateral relations was covered and views were exchanged on regional developments, it added.
The foreign minister underscored that the relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is deep-rooted and longstanding. He recalled his earlier visit to the Kingdom on 10-11 December 2019 and thanked the warm hospitality extended to him.
He focused on issues of mutual interest including bilateral trade and economic cooperation, security and defence cooperation, parliamentary exchanges and increased trade relations.
The foreign minister also highlighted the importance of Saudi investments, particularly in the petrochemical, mining and minerals as well as energy sectors. He also expressed the hope that the Road-to-Makkah project to facilitate pilgrims from Pakistan will be extended to other cities of Pakistan.
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