Pak-Saudi ties a ‘relationship of hearts’: Shibli

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Senator Shibli Faraz said has that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia’s relations remain steadfast as ever and Pakistan is determined to further building up the historic fraternal ties.

He expressed these views in a meeting with Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki on Friday. The envoy was accompanied by Information Attache of Saudi Embassy in Islamabad, Dr Ahmed Abdullah Alsalmi.

Shibli said that both the countries enjoy common Islamic heritage and would further strengthen their ties in different areas that are mutually beneficial.

He termed Pak-Saudi ties as a “relationship of hearts” and reiterated that the people of Pakistan have great reverence for the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques.

He made a special mention of the visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman to Pakistan and appreciated his vision 2030, which he said is forward looking and in tandem with the requirements of modern era. He also commended the arrangements made by the Saudi government for Hajj this year despite difficulties posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Pakistan-Saudi relations have always been good, and will remain so: Qureshi

During the meeting, both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation and collaboration in the fields of media and culture. The federal minister and the Saudi ambassador also emphasised on exchange and telecast of TV plays and screening of movies in each other’s country, saying film is an important medium to promote and project cultural and societal values.

They also agreed on production of programmes highlighting the life and achievements of Muslim heroes and depicting the true Islamic culture.

Malki recalled that Saudi Arabia was the first country that Prime Minister Imran Khan visited after assuming office. Saudi Arab was at the forefront extending him good wishes and support, he added. The Saudi diplomat informed Shibli about the latest situation of Covid-19 pandemic in the kingdom, saying that corona cases are now minimal and situation is returning to normalcy.

The senator said that Pakistan has successfully tackled the Covid-19 pandemic through effective and prudent policies adopted by the government. He added: “Allah Almighty showers His blessings to meet the most difficult of challenges if a leader cares for the marginalised strata of the society.”

Shibli presented the special publication regarding the two years performance of the PTI government to the Saudi ambassador.