President Asif Ali Zardari met Saudi Shura Council Chairman Dr. Abdullah Al-Sheikh to discuss enhancing parliamentary cooperation and high-level exchanges between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Zardari emphasized deepening economic, political, and cultural ties while expressing concern over Middle Eastern conflicts. The dialogue signals a commitment to transforming bilateral relations into a strategic partnership.
On Thursday, President Asif Ali Zardari held a meeting with Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al-Sheikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s Shura Council, to discuss the enhancement of parliamentary cooperation and high-level exchanges with the Kingdom. This dialogue is significant as Dr. Al-Sheikh is currently in Pakistan for a three-day visit, during which he has engaged with key political figures including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gillani.
In a press release following the meeting, President Zardari underscored the importance of fostering parliamentary collaboration and high-level interactions to strengthen the fraternal ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing economic, political, and cultural relations with the Kingdom for the mutual benefit of both nations. Furthermore, both parties acknowledged the need to evolve their longstanding bilateral relationship into a more robust and strategic partnership, reflecting their mutual interests.
Addressing regional concerns, President Zardari expressed solidarity with the peoples of Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria amidst the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Pakistan values its longstanding alliance with Saudi Arabia, which hosts approximately 2.5 million Pakistani expatriates and constitutes the largest source of remittances for the economically challenged South Asian country.
The diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have historically been characterized by strong cooperation across various sectors, including economy, defense, and cultural exchange. Pakistan benefits significantly from the economic support in the form of remittances sent by the large Pakistani diaspora in Saudi Arabia, making their relationship pivotal for Islamabad’s economic landscape. This recent meeting highlights an ongoing commitment to deepen these bonds amid regional geopolitical shifts.
In conclusion, the meeting between President Zardari and Dr. Al-Sheikh signifies a renewed commitment to enhancing cooperative ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. With mutual interests in strengthening economic and cultural relations, both leaders aim to elevate their longstanding partnership into a more strategic alliance. This collaboration is crucial given the economic reliance of Pakistan on Saudi support and the historical camaraderie between the two nations.
Original Source: www.arabnews.pk
