Saudi Arabian Minister of Investment Khalid Bin Abdulaziz Al Falih and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir held discussions to enhance the “ever-growing brotherly” bilateral cooperation across various sectors, according to the military’s media wing on Thursday.
The talks took place in Rawalpindi during a meeting between the minister, accompanied by a delegation, and the army chief. The Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported that both sides focused on issues of mutual interest.
Read more: Ali Amin Gandapur Defends Loyalty Amid Controversy Over Mysterious Disappearance During PTI Protest
The high-level Saudi delegation, led by the investment minister, arrived in Pakistan on October 9 for a three-day visit. During the meeting, COAS Munir expressed deep gratitude for the unwavering support of Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman toward Pakistan. He highlighted that the visit of one of the largest Saudi business delegations reaffirmed the strong and enduring ties between the two nations. Munir also emphasized the respect and affection the people of Pakistan hold for Saudi Arabia and assured the delegation of Pakistan’s full support for initiatives that would benefit both countries.
Separately, the Saudi minister and his delegation met with President Asif Ali Zardari at the President House in Islamabad on Thursday. Both sides reiterated their commitment to strengthening cooperation in key sectors, including the economy, agriculture, mining, and information technology, according to a press release from the President House.
President Zardari warmly welcomed the delegation and highlighted the long-standing, time-tested relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. He expressed Pakistan’s aspiration to elevate bilateral ties into a long-term strategic and economic partnership, which he believed would further strengthen the bond between the two nations. Zardari also reaffirmed Pakistan’s respect for Saudi Arabia’s leadership and commended Crown Prince Salman’s visionary role in the Kingdom’s progress under Vision 2030. He expressed gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s continued support during difficult times.
Read more: Chinese engineers killed in blast were negotiating debt restructuring: Aurangzeb
Minister Khalid acknowledged Pakistan’s strategic geographical importance and its potential in natural resources and renewable energy. He announced plans for Saudi Arabia to invest in Pakistan’s infrastructure and mining sectors, with his delegation set to sign 25 agreements across various sectors to boost economic cooperation. Both sides emphasized the need for increased collaboration in agriculture and information technology.
The meeting was attended by key Pakistani ministers, including Petroleum Minister Senator Musadik Masood Malik, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, and Interior Minister Senator Syed Mohsin Naqvi, as well as Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf Saeed Al Malki.
