Pakistan, Saudi Arabia reiterate to further expand bilateral cooperation

Islamabad: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Friday reiterated desire to further improve bilateral cooperation in the areas of trade, economy and defence.

The resolve was expressed during a meeting between the visiting Chief of General Staff of the Saudi Armed Forces General Fayyadh bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili, who along with the members of his delegation, called on President Dr Arif Alvi in Islamabad on Friday.

Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan, Nawaf Bin Saeed Al-Malki also attended the meeting.

Welcoming the delegation, the President said Pakistan highly values its relations with Saudi Arabia which has always supported Pakistan at difficult times.

He said that both brotherly countries enjoy excellent relations in various fields and have commonality of views on various regional and international issues.

The President reiterated Pakistan's commitment to enhancing bilateral economic and financial ties with Saudi Arabia for the mutual benefit of two brotherly countries.

He also highlighted that Pakistan is looking for investment as the country has huge potential for the investment in the agriculture and IT sectors.

Dr Arif Alvi apprised the delegation that Pakistan has constituted Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) to serve as one window platform to fast-track decision making and facilitate the Foreign Direct Investment.

Expressing satisfaction at the existing level of cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, the President said that the high-level exchanges of military leadership of two countries would further boost defence cooperation.

He informed the visiting dignitary that he is highly impressed by the vision of Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman that led to the normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, which will also bring peace and prosperity to the region.

The President appreciated the role played by the Saudi Arabia in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for important Muslim causes, especially for Palestine, Kashmir and Afghanistan.

He thanked Saudi Arabia for providing financial support to Pakistan to deal with its economic challenges.

Dr Arif Alvi  asked General Fayyadh bin Hamed to convey his warm regards to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief of General Staff of the Saudi Armed Forces, General Fayyadh bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili said that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy close ties in various fields and called for further improving bilateral cooperation between two brotherly countries.

He said that the Saudi Arabia's vision 2030 would bring prosperity to the neighbouring countries as well as to the Islamic world.