Gilani meets Saudi King in Jeddah

Bilateral relations, cooperation and regional situation reviewed during meeting.

JEDDAH: Bilateral relations, cooperation and regional situation were reviewed during a meeting between Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani with King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz at the Royal Palace in Jeddah on Tuesday.

Both countries agreed to enhance cooperation and boost their ties in a comprehensive manner.

Gilani, who is on a special visit to Saudi Arabia, appreciated King Abdullah’s contribution to  promoting interfaith harmony.

The leaders also agreed to work closely to promote the cause of global peace, harmony and tolerance among different religions and espouse universal values of humanity and brotherhood.

A broad consensus was reached on enhancing Pakistan-Saudi Arabia partnership based on comprehensive cooperation. Modalities and mechanism for this purpose were also discussed.

Both sides expressed the wish to enhance mutually beneficial cooperation and work closely to safeguard the stability and peace in the region and Islamic world.

King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz said Pakistan was a key member of the Ummah and a close friend of the Kingdom.

"Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are one country; they are more than friends and more than brothers," King Abdullah said.

The Saudi King assured Gilani of the Kingdom's steadfast support to Pakistan. He also lauded Pakistan's support to the Kingdom. Gilani reciprocating the feelings regarding their close ties said "Pakistan's security was Saudi Arabia's security and Saudi Arabia's security was Pakistan's security."

Gilani informed King Abdullah about Pakistan's relations with regional countries.

He also informed the King about Pakistan's efforts to promote peace, reconciliation in Afghanistan and its efforts to improve relations with India. King Abdullah appreciated the progress and said it was important that there are good relations between the neighbouring countries.

King Abdullah also informed him about his conversation with Afghan President Karzai and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who also welcomed that things were moving in the right direction and reciprocated Pakistan's desire to live in peace and harmony for regional stability.

He said there was a general understanding that conflicts bring losses and lead to dependence on others. The prime minister also appreciated the Saudi government for promoting interfaith dialogue in the Muslim world.

The prime minister appreciated the role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the welfare and development of the Muslim world and said there was an urgent need to ensure peaceful transformation, order, stability and unity in Islamic states.

He also expressed his sense of gratitude to the people and government of Saudi Arabia for extending support to the earthquake and flood affected people of Pakistan and pointed that the rehabilitation work was continuing at a steady pace.

Gilani extended an invitation to King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz to visit Pakistan.

King Abdullah said that he would visit Pakistan at a time and date convenient to both the countries.