Pakistan and Saudi Arab have agreed to further strengthen bilateral ties and cooperation in various fields and sectors.
The understanding came at a meeting between Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud in Islamabad on Tuesday (today).
Addressing a joint press conference alongside Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Saudi minister said that his visit is a follow up to Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit to Saudi Arabia in May of this year.
Prince Faisal said that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia’s ties are founded in brotherhood and the two countries have always supported each other.
The visiting dignitary said that the Saudi-Pakistan Supreme Consultative Council will help take the relationship between the two countries to new levels.
Alluding to the commonality of views on regional issues, the Saudi Foreign Minister said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have agreed to continue to work together including on Kashmir, Palestine, Afghanistan and Yemen to facilitate regional peace and stability.
Prince Faisal also lauded Pakistan for its efforts against the coronavirus pandemic and said that the two countries will work on easing the challenges that people face.
Meanwhile, speaking at the press conference FM Shah Mahmood Qureshi noted that that during his talks with Prince Faisal the two did a comprehensive review of their bilateral relationship.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi said the two sides have made a good progress towards the activation of Saudi-Pakistan Supreme Coordination Council. He said there will be focal persons in both the countries to oversee progress on this front.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi said there are immense opportunities for Saudi Arabia for investment in SEZs under the CPEC. He said our skilled, semi-skilled workforce and professionals can also make significant contributions to the Saudi vision 2030.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi said Pakistan looks forward to expand relations with Saudi Arabia in the areas of culture, information, media, entertainment and sports.
The Foreign Minister said both the sides have also discussed ways and means to promote cooperation in the area of climate change.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi thanked Saudi Arabia for supporting Pakistan in the FATF. He said Saudi Arabia is also part of OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir. He said the Kingdom has been supportive and has shown clarity in supporting Pakistan on the disputed territory.
It is to be noted that the Saudi Foreign Minister had arrived at the Foreign Office after he landed in Islamabad today on his day-long visit at the invitation of Foreign Minister Qureshi.
