ISLAMABAD: Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday expressed optimism that the visit of Saudi Shura Council Chairman Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al-Sheikh will serve as a key moment to further strengthen the already strong ties between the two countries.
“This visit marks a new chapter in the long-term relationship between the two nations,” the president said during a meeting with the chairman of the Saudi Shura Council.
Gilani warmly welcomed Dr. Al-Sheikh and his delegation and described the chairman of the Saudi Shura Council as a “true friend” of Pakistan.
“The institutional relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have entered a new era and the leadership of Prince Mohammed bin Salman is a great source of support for Pakistan at every stage,” Gilani said.
The President, who previously visited Saudi Arabia in 2008 and 2011, highlighted the deep cultural, religious and historical ties that the two nations share.
“The people of Pakistan have a deep respect and affection for Saudi Arabia that is rooted in our common holy places, historical connections and common values,” he added.
The President further emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation in areas of common interest, citing trade, investment, defense, energy and education as key areas of growth.
He also mentioned his recent visit to Saudi Arabia and said the high-level engagement provided an opportunity to understand the scope of expanding multidimensional areas of mutual benefit.
Both leaders emphasized the strong spirit of mutual trust and respect that underpins their relationship.
The Senate President noted that both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have consistently supported each other in difficult times, which has laid a solid foundation for lasting friendship.
He also emphasized the need to build on existing cooperation and strengthen ties through institutional linkages, particularly between the upper house of Pakistan’s parliament and the Saudi Shura Council.
During the meeting, he noted the positive trajectory of trade relations between the two countries and stressed the importance of seizing opportunities to strengthen economic cooperation, a press release said.
“Trade relations are moving in a positive direction and there is huge potential for further promotion of economic and investment exchanges,” he added.
He also informed the Saudi delegation about the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), which aims to streamline investment processes and attract foreign investment.
The Senate President was accompanied by a distinguished group of senators including Irfan-ul-Haq Siddiqui, Kamil Ali Agha, Samina Mumtaz Zehri, Sadiaa Abbasi, Jan Muhammad, Atta ur Rehman, Munzoor Ahmad, Umar Farooq and Sardar Al-Haj Muhammad Umer Gorgaij alongside the Senate Secretary Syed Hasnain Haider. This delegation is part of a wider effort to strengthen parliamentary and diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al-Sheikh expressed his pleasure at the visit to Pakistan and emphasized that Saudi Arabia considers Pakistan a “sincere friend”.
He also expressed that the members of the Saudi Shura Council were impressed by Chairman Gilani’s leadership and expressed hope that the visit would pave the way for even stronger ties between the two countries. “I am convinced that the exchange of high-level delegations will further strengthen our relationship and institutional cooperation,” said Dr. Al-Sheikh.