ISLAMABAD; September 26, 2011: President Asif Ali Zardari Monday said that Pakistan values its close and cordial bilateral ties with the brotherly Muslim country Saudi Arabia and desires to further strengthen the already existing bilateral cooperation in many areas including trade, commerce, investment, manpower, energy and agriculture to the mutual benefit of the two countries.

 

In a statement, Spokesperson to the President Mr. Farhatullah Babar said that on the eve of National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the President said that the edifice of this special relationship between the two countries based on our common faith and cultural affinities has further been cemented by the shared aspirations of our people.

 

The President during his visit to the Saudi Arabia’s embassy in Islamabad to celebrate the National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia extended his greetings and best wishes to Khadim Al-Harmain Al-Sharifain, King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud and the brotherly people of Saudi Arabia.

 

The President said that we in Pakistan regard with great admiration the huge strides that Saudi Arabia has made in all walks of life since the times of King Abdul Aziz. The country’s unprecedented progress is a tribute to the vision and determination of a sagacious leadership, he remarked.

 

The President recalled his recent visit to Saudi Arabia and said that he has been deeply impressed by the sagacity and vision of Khadim Al-Harmain Al-Sharifain, King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud and his commitment to work for global peace and prosperity. The President said that he finds inspiration in his sentiments for the Ummah and was particularly grateful for his consistent and strong support for Pakistan and the well being of its people.

 

The President noting the presence of sizable 1.5 million Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia said that the commitment, hard work and  contributions of Pakistani community towards the economy of the brotherly country was a matter of great satisfaction. They serve as a bridge of friendship between the two countries and form yet another strong bond between the two peoples, he added.

 

The President said that every difficult moment in our history has witnessed us standing together in mutual support and solidarity.  He said that Saudi generosity has been exemplary during floods and natural disasters wining the lasting gratitude of the people of Pakistan. Pakistan, he said, has once again suffered widespread devastation caused by heavy rains. Millions of people have seen their homes and livelihoods swept away by cruel torrents. We are responding to the humanitarian catastrophe and are grateful for the solidarity and support of Saudi Arabia.

 

The President thanked the Saudi Ambassador for the invitation to attend the even on this happy occasion and prayed to Almighty for the continued progress and prosperity of the Kingdom and its people.