Saudi Arabia plans investment in solar, oil sectors

Saudi envoy meets Balochistan governor, chief minister

QUETTA: Saudi Arabia Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki on Monday called on Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan Aliyani and discussed Saudi investment plans in the province.

Both agreed that, with the passage of time, the brotherly relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are being strengthened and bilateral trade and economic ties enhanced.

Discussing Saudi Arabia’s investment plans in the province’s solar energy, water and desalination and oil sectors, the ambassador said the Saudi government was seeking to finalise documentation regarding its investment in the province.

The Saudi ambassador stated that the Khadim-e-Haramain Sharifain and the Saudi government had stood shoulder to shoulder with Pakistan through thick and thin and pledged that the kingdom would continue supporting Pakistan in the future as well.

Provincial ministers Meer Zia Langove, Sardar Abul Rehman Kethran, Meer Naseebullah Marri and Muhammad Khan Lehri and other cabinet members were also present during the meeting.

Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan expressed his appreciation for Saudi support for Pakistan and apprised the envoy of the provincial government’s policies aimed at facilitating foreign investors.

The Saudi ambassador also called on Balochistan Governor Amanullah Khan Yasinzai and discussed relations between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia including bilateral trade.

The governor stated on the occasion that, due to the presence of the holy sites in the kingdom, Pakistanis had great respect for and an emotional attachment with Saudi Arabia, adding that both countries had important religious and cultural ties and had stood by each other in trying times.

The Saudi envoy also expressed his country’s interest in investing in Pakistan.

Saudi Ambassador Nawaf Bin Saeed Al Maliki on Monday distributed relief cheques among the people of Turbat and Awaran affected by the devastating earthquake back in 2013.

The cheque distribution ceremony in Quetta was also attended by Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan Aliyani, and provincial ministers Zia Langove, Sardar Abdul Rehman Kethran, Meer Naseebullah Marri and Muhammad Khan Lehri.

The Saudi government had pledged two-and-a-half-billion rupees for 8,000 new homes for earthquake victims and an additional Rs105 million to rebuild the infrastructure in earthquake-hit areas and 155 million rupees for jobs’ rehabilitation.

The Saudi government has also pledged to help the provincial government digitalise the province’s livestock and agriculture sectors and to impart technical education to the people of the earthquake-hit districts.

The Balochistan chief minister thanked the Saudi government for the generous financial assistance to the earthquake victims.