ISLAMABAD: Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that Pakistan–Saudi Arabia ties are not transactional but deep-rooted in shared faith, history, and commonalities.
He expressed these views during a meeting with Major General (Retd.) Dr. Abdul Rahman bin Sanhat Al-Harbi, head of the Saudi Arabia-Pakistan Parliamentary Friendship Group who called on him in Islamabad on Tuesday.
Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani highlighted his successful visit to Saudi Arabia last year, along with the reciprocal visit of the Chairman of the Shura Council to Pakistan. He noted that both visits underscored the significance of parliamentary diplomacy in strengthening bilateral relations.
Gilani emphasised the importance of holding regular dialogue between the Senate of Pakistan and the Shura Council through frequent high-level exchanges and enhanced people-to-people contact.
He also recalled his high-level meetings with the Saudi leadership, stating that both nations share deep-rooted sentiments of mutual respect and affection.
The Senate Chairman thanked the Kingdom for continuously improving the Hajj and Umrah experience for Pakistanis.
He acknowledged the significant contribution of over 2.5 million Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia, who are a pillar of Pakistan’s economy through remittances. He appreciated Saudi Arabia for taking care of the Pakistani diaspora.
The Senate Chairman reaffirmed Pakistan’s deep-rooted commitment to its brotherly alliance with the Kingdom and expressed hope that the work of this Friendship Group will usher in a new era of transformative, resilient, and future-ready cooperation. ‘’We also look forward to the visit of the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia’’.
He acknowledged the historical depth of defence and security cooperation and said trade and economic relations have also contributed to further boosting mutual collaboration.
He also called for the early implementation of the MOUs signed between the two sides, reaffirming Pakistan’s resolve to further enhance fraternal bonds and friendship.
He termed the visit of the Saudi delegation as a reflection of the trust and goodwill that exists between the two nations.
