Saudi Arabia, Pakistan discuss challenges of organising Hajj amid pandemic

Two foreign ministers reaffirm long-standing and fraternal ties between Islamabad and Riyadh

ISLAMABAD:

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Saturday received a telephone call from his Saudi counterpart and discussed bilateral relations as well as challenges of organising Hajj this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud apprised FM Qureshi about the challenges of organising Hajj in 2021 and the policy measures taken by the kingdom in the larger interest of public health.

Qureshi conveyed his understanding of the situation and expressed confidence in the decisions taken in the public interest by the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.

Read more: Qureshi meets Saudi counterpart amid key regional developments

During the call, the two foreign ministers reaffirmed long-standing and fraternal ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

On behalf of Pakistan’s leadership, the foreign minister conveyed best wishes to Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

In view of the recent visit of Prime Minister Imran Khan to Saudi Arabia, the foreign ministers reviewed the outcomes of the successful visit and agreed to work together towards early and effective implementation of decisions taken by the leadership of the two countries.

FM Qureshi also reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the kingdom.

The two ministers also discussed bilateral cooperation in various fields, as well as the two countries’ cooperation in multilateral organisations. They also exchanged views on global and regional issues of mutual interest.

Commensurate with the close and cordial relations between Islamabad and Riyadh, the foreign ministers of both countries hold frequent consultations on diverse issues.

They met twice in May; first, during the visit of the prime minister to Saudi Arabia, and then on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meeting on Palestine in New York.