ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s President Arif Alvi and Saudi Arabia’s King Salman expressed satisfaction and appreciation at the renewed impetus in relations between the two countries, a statement released by the Foreign Office on Friday read.
The meeting between the two leaders took place in Riyadh, on Wednesday, wherein they discussed bilateral relations, regional issues, and matters of mutual interest.
“King Salman warmly welcomed the president and congratulated him on his election. He underscored the importance of the time-tested Pak-Saudi relationship, and said that the relations between the two brotherly countries were excellent at all levels,” the statement released late on Thursday night read.
“The King also commended the positive role played by Pakistani expatriates in the progress and development of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” it added.
President Alvi, on his part, acknowledged the close bonds of friendship and brotherhood enjoyed by the two countries, based on shared faith, culture, and values and the commonalities shared by two on several regional and international issues.
“Recalling the recent visit by Prime Minister Imran Khan, the president hoped that the bilateral relationship would be further strengthened in the days to come.”
He commended the progress made by the Kingdom under Vision 2030, adding that “Pakistani expatriates would continue to play a positive role toward the development of both countries.”
The president reached Saudi Arabia on Sunday to perform Umrah, marking his first visit to the Kingdom since assuming office in September this year.
Pakistan, Saudi bilateral ties on the right track — Foreign Office
Pakistan, Saudi bilateral ties on the right track — Foreign Office
- King Salman lauds positive role played by Pakistani expatriates in the progress and development of the Kingdom
- President Alvi acknowledges commonalities shared by the two countries on regional and international issues
At ulema conference, Pakistan PM urges clerics’ help to curb militancy, sectarianism
- Shehbaz Sharif urges religious scholars to play role in promoting unity among all schools of thought
- His appeal comes amid a surge in separatist and extremist violence targeting civilians and soldiers
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday called for the eradication of militancy and sectarianism, saying the country could not progress without promoting unity and cohesion.
His remarks came while addressing religious scholars at the National Ulema Convention in the federal capital, urging them to play a proactive role in promoting brotherhood and harmony among all schools of thought.
The prime minister's plea comes at a time when the country has witnessed a surge in separatist and extremist violence, with militant groups such as the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) carrying out attacks on police and security forces in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and southwestern Balochistan provinces.
"I believe that the most important thing agreed upon in this gathering today should be this that unless we establish an atmosphere of unity and cohesion among the nation in general, this country cannot progress," Sharif said in his address.
"If this country is to progress, the elimination of terrorism is absolutely essential," he added. "To protect this country, the political and military leadership together has worked tirelessly."
He also called for the elimination of sectarianism from the country.
The prime minister lambasted Afghanistan for sending militants to Pakistan who target civilians and security forces, highlighting that Pakistani soldiers were being killed everyday in KP and Balochistan.
The administration in Kabul denies sheltering or facilitating armed factions, describing Pakistan's security challenges as its internal problem.
