PM Imran appreciates growing Pak-Saudi ties

Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Foreign Minister of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, called on Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday.

During the meeting, views were exchanged on bilateral relations as well as regional developments.

While welcoming the Saudi Foreign Minister, the PM underscored the special significance of the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relationship –based on close fraternal ties, historic links, and support at the gross-roots 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.

Prime Minister Imran appreciated the growing economic ties between the two countries and the Saudi commitment for investment in various sectors, particularly petrochemicals, mining and renewable energy.

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 he 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 Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJ&K).

He also highlighted India’s discriminatory Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and underscored that the Indian Government was engaged in systematic efforts to marginalize and disenfranchise minorities, particularly Muslims.

The Prime Minister added that, in addition, India’s belligerent actions on the LoC were stoking further tensions and imperiling regional peace and security. He stressed that the international community had to play its role in ensuring respect for the rights and freedoms of the Kashmiri people, facilitate a just solution of the Jammu & Kashmir dispute, and take steps for the protection of minorities in India.

The Saudi Foreign Minister conveyed the most cordial greetings of His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and of His Royal Highness 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 also reaffirmed the resolve to deepen bilateral collaboration in all fields, including trade, investments, energy and tourism sectors. The Saudi Foreign Minister also reiterated Saudi Arabia’s steadfast support for Pakistan’s core national issues.

The enhanced role of the OIC in the context of Jammu & Kashmir dispute was discussed. This was the maiden visit of the 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.