Sir: No words are strong enough to describe the warm brotherly relations, based on mutual respect and love, between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Relations between the two countries are no doubt cited as one of the most ideal ties around the world. Saudi Arabia has always stood with and supported Pakistan in difficult times, be it some natural calamity, foreign aggression, or any other problem. Pakistan looks towards Saudi Arabia always when they are faced with some big problem and Saudi help and assistance comes within no time. Bilateral brotherly relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were highlighted and possibilities for further cooperation in different fields was explored when Saudi Ambassador in Islamabad, Nawaf Saeed Al-Malkly, called Punjab Chief Minister, Shahbaz Sharif, in Lahore the other day. According to the reports in the newspapers, the Chief Minister, who knows many languages, also spoke in Arabic on the occasion and said that Saudi Arabia has always stood with Pakistan through thick and thin. Pakistanis have deep-rooted religious affiliations with Saudi Arabia and it goes without saying that Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with Saudi Arabia. It is quite appreciable that the bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries are getting stronger with the passage of time. The Saudi ambassador on his part commended the different steps being taken by the provincial government for ensuring improvement in social sectors and said that people’s friendly gestures under the inspiring and dynamic leadership of Shahbaz Sharif are indeed very laudable. He also said that his country attaches great importance to their brotherly relationship with Pakistan. Needless to say, all this augurs well but still there is always room for further cementing and strengthening of relations through increased cooperation and assistance in different fields. MEEM ZAY RIFFAT Lahore Published in Daily Times, September 22nd 2017.