Islamabad:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Defense Cooperation Agreement is rooted in fraternity and mutual trust, emphasizing that both nations by working together can secure a stronger position in the global community.
He approached a lunch held here in the Prime Minister’s House in honor of the visitor Saudi delegation led by Prince Mansour bin Mohammad bin Saad Al Saud, President of the Saudi Pakistani Joint Business Council. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, federal ministers, senior officials and prominent business figures participated in the event.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warmly welcomed Prince Mansour warmly and said it was a pleasure to see him again and noted that “we are gathered here today as a family.”
He remembered his long-standing relationship with Saudi Arabia and shared that he first visited the kingdom in the 1960s and had since witnessed its remarkable progress. He described his recent visit to Riyadh as “unique and unforgettable”, and pays tribute to the warm hospitality expanded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the Saudi people.
“The Saudi leadership and people have always stood by Pakistan through any trial and difficulty,” he said, confirming that every Muslim is ready to sacrifice for the holy places.
The Prime Minister emphasized that Pakistan – Saudi defense pact is formalizing a relationship based on deep fraternity. “We are real brothers and a brother always stands by his brother. We will always remain protectors of the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah,” he declared.
When highlighting the growing extent of bilateral cooperation, the Prime Minister said both countries are determined to improve ties based on trade, investment, research and innovation. “This is a time of golden opportunities. Together we can transform our shared business vision into reality,” he said.
Prime Minister praised Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s dynamic and visionary leadership and credited it to transform the Saudi community. “Time and circumstances are waiting for no one. We must prepare for new challenges and opportunities. With cooperation and unity, we can establish a permanent place in the global community,” he added.
