ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser on Friday described Saudi Arabia as a “selfless friend” that has stood firmly with Pakistan during all difficult times and provided assistance generously.
His remarks came during a meeting with Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki at Parliament House, according to the statement from the speaker’s office.
“Pakistan is proud of its exemplary friendship with Saudi Arabia,” the speaker said, adding that “long-term and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are based on the respect and affection of the people of both countries for each other.”
Qaiser said that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia shared a common faith, culture, history and heritage, that they share similar views on regional and global issues, and have always supported each other at regional and international forums.
He said Pakistan’s parliament has always worked to cement the brotherly relations, and emphasized the desire to further strengthen these ties, adding: “The honor and warm welcome extended by the Saudi Arabian government and people to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, during his recent visit to Saudi Arabia will prove to be a milestone in further strengthening bilateral relations.”
Qaiser said he appreciated the announcement of a relief package from the Saudi Government to help Pakistan overcome its financial crisis. He also noted the large number of Pakistani expatriates who work in a variety of jobs in Saudi Arabia, earning valuable foreign currency for their homeland.
“The Speaker stressed the need for concessions in punishment of Pakistani people who have been convicted of minor offenses in Saudi Arabia,” the speaker’s office said. “He welcomed Saudi’s participation in China Pakistan Economic Corridor.”
Ambassador Al-Malki described the relationship between the two countries as historic and unique.
“He (the ambassador) said that King Salman and the crown prince have a great respect and affection for Pakistan,” the speaker’s office said. “He assured that the government is (working to) support to Pakistan in diverse fields.”
Al-Malki assured the speaker that “he will talk to senior figures in the Saudi Arabian Government about concession for Pakistani people convicted of minor offenses in Saudi Arabia.”
After becoming prime minister in August, Khan chose Saudi Arabia as the destination for his first official trip. He visited the Kingdom again in October to take part in a prestigious business conference in Riyadh, during which the Kingdom agreed a $6 billion bailout plan for Pakistan, including $3 billion as “balance of payment support,” and a one-year deferred-payment facility for up to $3billion for oil imports.
