Pakistan and Saudi Arabia Saturday reiterated their firm resolve to work together and further deepen their bilateral cooperation for the mutual benefit of the two brotherly nations.
The development came during a meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari and Saudi Arabia's Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud, who called on him at the Aiwan-e-Sadr.
During the meeting, President Zardari said that Pakistan accorded utmost importance to its relations with the kingdom as both countries enjoyed a fraternal bond, marked by shared faith and historical relations.
He underscored the need for further increasing bilateral cooperation in various fields. The president deeply thanked Riyadh for the support provided to Islamabad during challenging times.
He lauded the leadership of King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud and the vision of the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud that would propel Saudi Arabia towards remarkable progress.
The Saudi defence minister highlighted that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoyed strong historical, strategic and defence cooperation.
He further stated that both countries should work together and support each other to further deepen bilateral relations. He highlighted that his country believed in regional prosperity and had succeeded in increasing economic integration.
Earlier in the day, the president, in recognition of his meritorious services towards further strengthening bilateral cooperation and his contribution towards peace in the region, conferred the Nishan-i-Pakistan award on Prince Khalid.
President Zardari congratulated Prince Khalid on the conferment of the award and thanked him for his role in promoting defence ties.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir and Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki were also present during the meeting.
