ISLAMABAD: Saudi Minister of Culture and Information Dr. Awwad bin Saleh Al-Awwad on Saturday met the Speaker of the National Assembly Asad Qaiser, and discussed a number of issues of mutual interest between the two brotherly countries, and ways of strengthening relations.
Al-Awwad is on an official visit to Islamabad.
Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Maliki and Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Information Fawad Chaudhry were also present in the meeting, which took place at the speaker’s house.
“Asad Qaiser acknowledged that our respective governments have maintained a time-tested friendship based on strong emotional links where we have supported each other through thick and thin and have stood by each other during every regional or international issue,” the Speaker’s office said in a statement.
The Speaker added: “We are bound in irrevocable ties of common faith, culture, history and heritage ... the Parliament of Pakistan has also remained in the forefront to further cement the brotherly relations between our two countries.”
The Speaker symbolized the true friendship of Pakistan with Saudi Arabia by quoting the famous saying, “Friendship is a sweet responsibility; not an opportunity.”
Asad Qaiser also discussed the problem faced by Pakistani expatriates in Saudi Arabia and also spoke about the issue of Pakistanis imprisoned over there.
Al-Awwad “assured the Speaker to resolve the problems of Pakistani imprisons in Saudi Arabia and Pakistani citizens serving there,” the statement read.
The minister said Saudi Arabia would always stand by its Pakistani brethren whenever needed.
“He (the Minister) further said that Saudi Arabia strongly desires to see a prosperous, stable and economically vibrant Pakistan,” the statement added.
