Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Broadcasting, Azeem Daultana, on Tuesday expressed his optimism about the achievement of all desired goals vis-à-vis President's visit to Saudi Arabia. The visit of Asif Ali Zardari would surly be productive, he said in comments on the two-day visit taking place at a time when Pakistan is facing economic, energy and security challenges.
President Zardari's efforts to seek Saudi Arabia's assistance for oil facility on deferred payment basis to help Pakistan deal with the balance of payments crisis are commendable, he told APP. "The results of President Zardari's wide-ranging talks with Saudi leadership on all major issues would not only further strengthen bilateral ties between Jeddah and Islamabad, but also help Pakistan confront its financial and energy challenges," he said.
In addition, Azeem Daultana said leaders of both sides would discuss ways for more investment from the Saudi entrepreneurs in the sectors of energy, infrastructure development, agriculture, which is very important for Pakistan. Furthermore he said, "This visit is also aimed at expediting the implementation of recent agreements signed between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in many areas," he said.
He said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have always supported each other on international and regional issues and they are also sole members of the Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) and working for strengthening the cause of Muslim Ummah.
The Parliamentary Secretary hoped that the historical, unique and fraternal relations between these two brotherly states would continue to grow and gain further strength. Saudi Arabia has always supported Pakistan during difficult times and its assistance for the October 2005 earthquake victims would long be remembered.
It was the Saudi Arabia, which established an air-bridge between the two countries during the devastating quake in parts of NWFP and Azad Kashmir to help Pakistani brethren in their critical time. Saudi's help during recent earthquake in parts of Balochistan is also appreciable as it announced millions of dollars for relief measures.