KARACHI: Pakistan on Tuesday reaffirmed commitment to strengthening its longstanding partnership with Saudi Arabia as the Kingdom marked its 95th National Day, with a special ceremony scheduled to be held in Islamabad.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have close religious, cultural, diplomatic and strategic ties, particularly in trade and defense. The Kingdom is home to over two million Pakistani expatriates, who are the largest source of remittances to the South Asian country.
This year, the Saudi National Day, which is celebrated each year on Sept. 23 to commemorate the proclamation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932 by King Abdulaziz, follows the signing of a ‘Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement’ between Pakistan and the Kingdom.
Under the pact, aggression against one country would be treated as an attack on both. The deal, sealed during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s state visit to the Kingdom this month, is meant to enhance joint deterrence and deepen decades of military and security cooperation.
“The Pakistani people cannot forget the economic cooperation of Saudi Arabia, which supported our economy. Millions of Pakistanis consider Saudi Arabia their second home, and are actively involved in its construction and development.
The services of Pakistani diaspora in Saudi Arabia are the cause of cordial relations, prosperity and progress between the two brotherly countries,” PM Sharif said in his message on the day.
“Today, on the occasion of Saudi Arabia’s National Day, I reiterate my resolve on behalf of Pakistan that we are determined to further strengthen this long-lasting partnership. May Allah Almighty always bless the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with progress and glory. Long live the Pak-Saudi brotherhood, long live the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
To mark the Saudi National Day, Pakistan’s capital Islamabad has been decorated with Saudi flags and pictures of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman with PM Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, with buildings adorned with green lights symbolizing the color of the Saudi flag.
This is the first time Pakistan will be holding the Saudi National Day ceremony at the spacious Convention Center building in Islamabad on Tuesday evening, which is likely to be attended by top Pakistani government functionaries, officials of the Saudi embassy and other dignitaries.
In his message, President Asif Ali Zardari felicitated King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince Mohammed and the people of Saudi Arabia on their National Day.
“This day is a reminder of how, in a relatively short span of time, Saudi Arabia has set remarkable examples of progress and stability under its wise and determined leadership,” he said.
The bond between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is rooted in trust, devotion and brotherhood, according to the president.
“For the people of Pakistan, our spiritual connection with the Kingdom is deepened by the presence of Islam’s two holiest sites— the Holy Ka’aba and the Masjid-e-Nabawi. This sacred link lends an enduring strength and uniqueness to our friendship,” he said.
“We take pride in the fact that in recent days our ties have reached new milestones. The fresh partnership forged in the fields of defense and security is not only a reflection of our mutual trust but also a vital step toward peace and stability in the region.”
Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi conveyed his warm greetings and goodwill to the Saudi leadership and the people of the Kingdom, acknowledging the deep-rooted historical and spiritual ties shared between the two brotherly nations, Pakistan’s state-run APP news agency reported.
“Under the dynamic leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia has achieved remarkable milestones of progress,” Naqvi said, emphasizing that the Kingdom’s achievements are a source of pride and encouragement for Pakistan,” he was quoted as saying.
On Monday, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah attended a Saudi National Day ceremony in Karachi, where he met Consul General Mohammed N. M. Al-Subaie and congratulated him on the occasion.
“Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations are an example in themselves for the world,” Shah was quoted as saying by his office. “The recent [defense] agreement will prove to be a milestone in security of the Muslim world.”
