ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker Assad Qaiser has lauded Saudi role in the socioeconomic development of the country.

“Saudi Arabia has always provided support for social development in Pakistan and the institutions run in social sector by Saudi Arabia-assistance were playing important role in the welfare of deprived segments of the society in Pakistan,” a statement from speaker’s office quoted the official as saying.

Qaiser made the statement in a meeting with Saudi ambassador to Pakistan, Nawaf bin Saad Al-Malki, in Islamabad on Monday and said that Pakistan wanted to strengthen the bilateral relations through enhanced cooperation in social and economic sectors between two brotherly countries.

He said that Islamabad and Riyadh enjoy historic friendly relations and Pakistan “values high” its all-weather friendship with Saudi Arabia.

During the meeting Qaiser also apprised the Ambassador about the Alamabad welfare town to be established in Alamabad, district Swabi, to be established with the cooperation of Pakistan Air Force and social organizations.

“Alamabad welfare town would cater food, medical and education facilities besides residence to the orphan, destitute, widows, transgender and other needy people,” Qaiser said.

In December last year, Qaiser headed a delegation of Pakistani parliamentarians to Saudi Arabia for promoting parliamentary ties between the two countries.

“Contacts between the parliamentarians can play a vital role in strengthening bilateral social and bilateral relations,” Qaiser said.

According to the statement, Ambassador Al-Malki said that the kingdom also considers Pakistan, “a sincere friend and a brother and gives immense importance to its brotherly relations with Pakistan.”

The Saudi envoy added that friendship between the two countries was getting stronger with each passing day.

“Trade committees of the Parliament of both the countries could play an important role in promoting bilateral trade,” the Saudi ambassador said.