Daily Times

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday appreciated the growing economic ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and the Saudi commitment for investment in various sectors, particularly petrochemicals, mining and renewable energy.

Foreign Minister of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud called on Prime Minister Imran Khan. During the meeting, views were exchanged on bilateral relations as well as regional developments.

While welcoming the Saudi foreign minister, the prime minister underscored the special significance of Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relationship which is based on close fraternal ties, historic links and support at the grossroots 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.

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.

The prime minister highlighted in detail the worsening human rights and humanitarian situation in Indian-held Kashmir. He also highlighted India’s discriminatory Citizenship Amendment Act and the National Register of Citizens and underscored that the Indian government is engaged in systematic efforts to marginalize and disenfranchise minorities, particularly the Muslims. He said in addition, India’s belligerent actions on the LoC are stoking further tensions and imperilling regional peace and security. He stressed that the international community has to play its role in ensuring respect for the rights and freedoms of the Kashmiri people, facilitate a just solution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute and take steps for protection of minorities in India.

The Saudi foreign minister conveyed greetings of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and of 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. Underscoring the key importance of the core relationship between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, the 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 reaffirmed the resolve to deepen bilateral collaboration in all fields, including trade, investments, energy and tourism sectors. He also reiterated Saudi Arabia’s steadfast support for Pakistan’s core national issues.

The enhanced role of the OIC in the context of Jammu and Kashmir dispute was also discussed during the meeting.

This was the maiden visit of 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.

Separately, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and his Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud met here and discussed issues of bilateral and regional importance. In a meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, FM Qureshi said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy brotherly relations and are committed to further strengthening cooperation in diverse areas. The foreign minister thanked FM Faisal bin Farhan on Saudi Arabia’s support to Pakistan on its stance on Kashmir. The two sides also held delegation-level talks, joined by Foreign Secretary Sohail Mehmood and other senior officials. Earlier, Foreign Minister Qureshi received Prince Faisal bin Farhan on his arrival at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.