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JEDDAH: SIRAJ WAHAB
Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who is in the Kingdom at the special invitation of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, performed Umrah on Thursday, and thanked the Saudi leadership for their support over the years.
Diplomatic aides accompanying the prime minister described Sharif's meeting with King Salman in Riyadh on Wednesday as historic. The two countries represent the best option for the Muslim world to defeat common enemies, one aide said.
"Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have stood by each other in good times and difficult times," the prime minister was quoted as saying after the meeting. He said Pakistan's relationship with Saudi Arabia "is deep rooted" and extends to the political, cultural and social spheres.
Sharif said the relationship would be further strengthened during the reign of King Salman. "Pakistan is particularly thankful to Saudi Arabia for its support during this crucial juncture," he said.
The meeting comes as the region is embroiled in conflict. Pakistan, the Muslim world's only nuclear power, is seen by Saudi Arabia as an important ally. On various occasions in the past, the two countries have synchronized their foreign policies on key international issues.
Sharif is considered to have a special bond with the Saudi leadership. "The fact that our prime minister was personally received by King Salman at King Khaled International Airport speaks volumes about his love and attachment to Pakistan," a top Sharif aide told Arab News on Thursday.
He said the entire Saudi leadership was present during the crucial talks. Sharif himself brought in key officials. He was accompanied by his closest aide Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, his brother Shahbaz Sharif who rules the politically important state of Punjab, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi and famous columnist and special adviser Irfan Siddiqui. "Pakistan accorded top priority to the Saudi invitation," said the aide.
During the talks, the two sides stressed the depth of bilateral relations, and the importance of enhancing joint cooperation in all fields. He said the presence of the entire Saudi leadership during the meeting was significant. "Our relationship runs deep," he said. "It has stood the test of time. Pakistanis have a special place (in their hearts) for this land of the two holy mosques."
He said Saudi Arabia remains home to nearly 2 million Pakistanis who have contributed immensely to the building of Saudi Arabia since the 1970s. "Conversely, the remittances that they send home helps the Pakistani economy," he said.
Sharif's talks with King Salman were attended by Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal, Crown Prince Muqrin, Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar, National Guard Minister Prince Miteb bin Abdullah, Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Naif, Defense Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Minister of State Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban, Finance Minister Ibrahim Al-Assaf and Culture and Information Minister Adel Al-Toraifi.
From Saudi Arabia's point of view, a robust Pakistan is the best ally in the troubled Muslim world. "Saudi Arabia is the leader of the Muslim Ummah and economic and regional powerhouse and Pakistan is the Muslim world's only nuclear power, and together they make a great combination to thwart the evil designs of the enemies of Islam," said the aide.
Sharif left for Madinah on Thursday evening. He will offer Friday prayers at the Prophet's Mosque and is expected to meet members of the Pakistani community in the holy city before flying to Pakistan later in the day.
Pakistani PM lauds KSA for support | Arab News
