ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening longstanding bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in religious affairs, with particular focus on improving arrangements for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, alongside other areas of mutual interest.
The commitment was expressed during a meeting in Islamabad on Tuesday between Pakistan’s Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf and Saudi Ambassador Dr. Rajeh Tami Albugamy.
The minister praised the Saudi leadership for its exemplary efforts to facilitate pilgrims, describing the Route to Makkah initiative as an outstanding project that has significantly streamlined travel arrangements for Pakistani Hajj pilgrims.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have agreed to further strengthen their bilateral ties
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The Saudi ambassador said that serving Hajj pilgrims was a great honour and blessing, noting that this responsibility was reflected in the Saudi King’s title of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.
He further announced that a focal person was being appointed to ensure more efficient coordination and improved facilities for Umrah pilgrims.
Dr. Rajeh Tami Albugamy also expressed admiration for the poetry of Allama Muhammad Iqbal and described Pakistan as a beautiful country whose people are known for their friendliness and hospitality.
He assured that the doors of the Saudi Embassy would always remain open to Pakistani brothers.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia agree to expand media cooperation
Earlier, the Saudi envoy met with Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar
During which the two sides agreed to further strengthen cooperation in information, broadcasting, media, culture and public relations, with a focus on expanding people-to-people contacts and promoting cultural exchanges.
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Islamabad and Riyadh have maintained close relations for decades and have sought to broaden cooperation across several sectors.
In 2024, the two countries signed 34 memorandums of understanding worth $2.8 billion covering multiple areas of cooperation.
The Kingdom remains the country’s largest source of remittances and hosts more than 2.5 million Pakistani expatriates, highlighting the depth of economic and people-to-people ties between the two countries.
Riyadh remains one of Islamabad’s largest suppliers of oil on deferred payment terms and has repeatedly placed deposits with the State Bank of Pakistan to help strengthen the country’s foreign exchange reserves.
