ISLAMABAD: Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan, Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, on Friday called on President Asif Ali Zardari at the Presidency and discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in the areas of trade, economy, and culture.
Welcoming the ambassador, President Zardari said that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy deep-rooted and historic relations based on shared faith and mutual trust.
He emphasised the need to further expand these ties for the mutual benefit of the two brotherly nations.
The President highlighted Pakistan’s investor-friendly policies and invited Saudi investors to explore investment opportunities in various sectors of the Pakistani economy.
He noted that both countries share common views on regional and international issues and support each other at multilateral fora.
President Zardari expressed gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its support to Pakistan in times of need.
He also asked the ambassador to convey his warm greetings and best wishes to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The meeting was also attended by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
It is pertinent to mention that last month, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia. During the trip, he held bilateral talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and discussed a range of issues, including political, trade, and investment ties, the military standoff with India, and the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza.
In recent months, the two nations have signed several agreements focused on enhancing bilateral trade and investment.
Saudi Arabia has pledged a $5 billion investment package to help stabilise Pakistan’s economy, according to a statement issued by Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in April 2024.
Pakistan has a 2.7 million-strong diaspora in Saudi Arabia, which accounts for the highest remittance inflow, a crucial lifeline for the country’s economy.
