Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al Faisal. PHOTO: REUTERS
This is the first visit by any top Saudi official to Pakistan since Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif came to power in June last year following his party’s thumping win in the parliamentary polls. It is a two-day official trip to hold talks with the Pakistani leadership on key bilateral, regional and international issues.
The Saudi foreign minister’s trip had led to speculation in the media about the possible role of the Saudis in seeking a ‘safe passage’ for the former military ruler. The government, however, had strongly dismissed such reports claiming that his visit was planned much ahead of the developments related to Musharraf.
Prince Faisal also said that he has come to Pakistan with a message of friendship and a message of cooperation, adding that he has not come to the country with any sort of mission.
“Saudi Arabia will not interfere in Pakistan’s internal affairs,” the Saudi foreign minister remarked.
He further said that the two countries have old and brotherly relationships and will continue to do so in both good and bad times.
Meeting with President Mamnoon Hussain
During the meeting with the Saudi foreign minister, President Mamnoon Hussain urged further expansion of bilateral ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in various fields, with particular focus on trade, investment, infrastructure, dams and power sector.
The president also invited Saudi investors and businessmen to invest in Pakistan.
He stated that the government of Pakistan was keen to further deepen the strategic partnership and bilateral cooperation in diverse fields to the mutual benefit of the people of the two countries.
The president, while noting the presence of a large 1.5 million Pakistani diaspora in Saudi Arabia, remarked that they serve as a bridge of friendship between the two countries.
Meeting with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif stated that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have always stood by each other in difficult times and the people of Pakistan deeply value relations with the Kingdom, during his meeting with Prince Saud al Faisal at the PM House in Islamabad. Both the leaders discussed issues of bilateral and regional importance at the meeting.
“There is a need to start a new era of strategic relationship between our two fraternal countries in order to further broaden and deepen the existing cordial bilateral relations," the premier added.
While discussing the energy situation of Pakistan, Nawaz said that Pakistan would welcome investment by the Kingdom especially in the energy sector.
The prime minister also thanked the Saudi government for extending help to Pakistani workers who were affected by the recent labour laws enacted in the Kingdom.
Nawaz stated that the large Pakistani community in Saudi Arabia is a human bridge between our two brotherly countries who would continue to play a vital role in the development of Saudi Arabia.
Afghanistan
Talking about the withdrawal of Nato troops from Afghanistan, Prince Faisal stated that Afghanistan is going through a tough time and it should be ensured that this withdrawal takes place.
He also added that terrorists should be stopped from organizing themselves again in Afghanistan.
With the start of 2014, the countdown to the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan has started. The Bilateral Security Agreement which is a security pact with the United States, if signed, will allow the US to extend their presence in Afghanistan for an additional 10 years and maintain a troop presence of up to 16,000 personnel after the Nato withdrawal.
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"I have not come here for any deal regarding Musharraf: Saudi foreign minister". Oh sure we understand...must be needing another hunting spot or private airport in Balouchistan...for some fun abroad.
We are thankful to the Saudi Government for respecting the aspirations of Pakistani people and didn't obstruct the implementation of Constitution.
Now where are the self-proclaimed pseudo intellectuals who were claiming that the former dictator will be flown out of Pakistan without meeting justice?
KAS is always welcome when it don't interfere with Pakistan's internal matters. In past people had dragged KSA to deep which certainly not welcome by any honorable citizen of Pakistan.
He met Maryam Nawaz SHARIF and discussed affairs of mutual interest.
@Ironic Ronic: Beard should be least of the worries.
Last time I checked monarchy, paper currency, allying with US & Israel, selling oil to oppressors was a big no-no. Apparently there are two set of laws, one for elite and one for common man.
It baffles me, really. Is there any country left in the world which Pakistan can call its friend?
China is the wrongest answer as any sane person can see how China is slowly squeezing and occupying Pakistan.
Some how he is not very convincing, perhaps American Security Services could shed some light on his visit since they are monitoring all the communication from Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. May be in a few years from now some one will spill the beans in the US government and we all will know what Nawaz Sharif has promised the Saudis and Americans.Pakistan elite will sell the nation in a minute if it keeps them in power and help build their bank balances in the Swiss or off shore Banks. Pathetic leadership. But as ambassador Richard Holbrooke said," Government is the sum of it's people."
They are the real enemies of the country - from funding talibans to chocking iran gas pipe, and keeping thar coal reserves burried.
"will allow the US to extend their presence in Afghanistan for an additional 10 years and maintain a troop presence of up to 16,000 personnel after the Nato withdrawal." Sixteen thousand US soldiers plus all mighty drones would be more than enough to control the balance of power in Afghanistan. All those who were waiting for the withdrawal and Taliban rule would be disappointed. Way to go drones all the way.
The House of Saud is a parasite not only to its own people, but for other Muslim countries as well. Their bankrolling of theocratic fascists in Pakistan has made intolerance and bigotry a byword for our society. No to Saudi or Iranian interference in our country. Pakistan is for Pakistanis alone.
Saudis are the de facto rulers of Pakistan. With paid militias in the form of TTP, LeJ, ASWJ, as well as the slave Prime Minister, they don't need to make a request. They just give orders.
@Bill: Why would you bash Pakistan? They have been doing your dirty work for last 66 years.
Everybody knows that the great Prince Faisal has come here to deliver a series of lectures on sheaf cohomology. Saudi Arabia has been the undisputed world leader in that field. Please lay off this genius. Haters 'gonna hate etc.
Pakistan foreign policy also dictated by us.They expect to get our foreign aid,but present situation, our government is unwilling to arrange any aid to them.Hope they might receive some fund in future.
He is right. He does not have to fly all the way from Saudi Arabia for something which his personal secretary can do over the phone. He is here for more urgent and important matter of fixing Syria and Iran with the help of Pakistan.
"I have not come here for any deal regarding Musharraf: Saudi foreign minister." Well, good!
@Aysha M: "We know you dont deal with the honest and the upright". Since that is your monopoly.
We should not be like anchor person this is not first visit of Foreign Minister after Mr. Musharaf incident, in the end of December Turkey Prime Minister also visited in Pakistan so there isn't any collaboration with the Musharaf case, be nation first think positive.
@Chandran Lo and Behold another Indian "Expert". Well objectively speaking, there is quite alot of Pakistan's bashing in your media. Even we in the West hardly see that much going on. Frankly if nukes are for sale in Pakistan i am sure they have already been sold by India
Seems many people have suadi arab fobia. Shame on haters. could they say something about iranian funded terrorists organizations??
Nobody is above the Law in Pakistan because we have friends like Saudi Arabia and GCC, ME etc.
what about IP pipeline
Among other things, possibly he is concerned about the growing influence of Iran in the region.
Somebody should ask this Saudi royalty that if they don't like to interfere in Pakistan's internal affairs, why did they last time when Nawaz Sharif was going to be hanged ? Why did they cut out a deal with Musharraf and gave Nawaz Sharif refuge for 10 years ? Was'nt that interfering in our internal affairs ? This sounds nothing but a lot of hogwash !
So why Saudi Arabia took Nawaz Sharif??? This is really a joke!! and why they help to Bravo Musharraf when Sharif has a big business empire in SA. "the enemy of my friend is my enemy"
Saudis and Americans don't believe in making deals with Pakistan, both issue ultimatums only which are to be complied with immediately. SA issued the last one to Musharraf in 1999 to release Nawaz Sharif which was done promptly by him and the present one to NS to return the favour to the former, shall also be carried out without question.
@AP Then that exactly you have come for..
He came to purchase some of your nukes
Minister chacha.... Please remove NOT from your statement.. that willmake sence :)
Then that exactly you have come for..
Joke of the day “Saudi Arabia will not interfere in Pakistan’s internal affairs,"
This is okay when one door of possible interference is closed.But what to do when state with in state has been busy mobilising its old horses to jeopardise the trial process.To include whole nation for trial on treason is nothing but a pathetic effort to save general from trial.Fundo politicians still believe in the supremacy of army in this country over civilian.They want to save their future at all cost.They will not be tolerated by future generations.
haha! the look on his face says it all...tough times these, eh Najdi?
I always doubt when a dignitary from one of our brotherly muslin country denies anything. There is always something in the offing behind that denial.
Thank you. With free media, a safe passage isnt safe anyway.
This is a good spirit and all those foreign powers trying to meddle in Pakistan's internal matter should take the cue. The consistent lame excuses by Musharraf in avoiding Court appearance prove how good this person has been in creating dramas. It has already been proven that the so-called high jacking case of 12th October 1999 was also a planned Drama to justify the coup. The foreign proxies must keep in mind that the 21st century Pakistan is very different with independent judiciary, robust media and very well aware civil society.
“Saudi Arabia will not interfere in Pakistan’s internal affairs,” Haha, what a joke, next please!
We know you dont deal with the honest and the upright
I wonder if Muftis will tell this 'beardless Royalty' to grow a beard according to Shariah just like they preach the same in Pakistan at behest of Suadi Clerics. Hypocricy at its best!
Now we are certain that the deal is very much there plus something more.......Pakistan must be on its guard.