Pakistan, Saudi Arabia to deepen trade, strategic ties

RIYADH—Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Wednesday vowed to deepen their multifaceted and strategic relations to new heights by enhancing cooperation in the war against terrorism, increased collaboration in defence, security, trade and investment.
The wide ranging talks between King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz, the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques, and Prime Minister Aziz at the Janadariya Farm House stretched well beyond the scheduled time of one hour to around three hours. The two leaders also had one-on- meeting.
The King, in a rare gesture, invited the Prime Minister at his farm house, where they took into account matters covering the whole gamut of relations besides regional and international issues of mutual interest.
The two leaders also reiterated their countries’ stance of standing by each other. Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz’s visit, part of regular high level consultations between the two countries, also took into account their close relations including political, diplomatic and economic ties. The Saudi King also hosted a banquet in honour of Prime Minister Aziz that was also attended by Senior Advisor, Sharif-ud-Din Pirzada, Minister for Defence Production, Maj. (R) Habibullah Warraich, Interior Minister, Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao, Minister for Population Welfare, Chaudhry Shahbaz Hussain and State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Khusro Bakhtyar. Prime Minister Aziz recalled the visits of King Abdullah and the Saudi Crown Prince to Pakistan and said these were reflective of the close ties between the leadership of two countries.
The Prime Minister also apprised King Abdullah of Pakistan’s position in the region, its role as a front- line state in the war against terrorism and its efforts for bringing about lasting peace in the region.
The two leaders also took into account the situation in the Middle East and called for an early resolution of the Palestine issue, to bring peace not only in the region but for the world at large.
They also called for resolution of the Palestine issue in accordance with the UN resolutions and wishes of the people of Palestine. The two leaders also expressed concern at the deteriorating security situation in Iraq and the sufferings of the Iraqi people.
Both leaders emphasized the importance of Iraq’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. Prime Minister Aziz thanked King Abdullah on behalf of the people of Pakistan for the excellent and elaborate arrangements made annually for Hajj. Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has urged the Saudi investors to come in a big way to Pakistan and invest in various fields of economy to get better profits and help socio-economic uplift of the country.
Talking to the Saudi investors and business leaders at a luncheon arranged by Saudi Investment Forum here on Wednesday, the Prime Minister said Pakistan , due to successful structural reforms, has become an attractive destination for investment and Saudi investors should take benefit of this environment.
He said besides energy and water there are vast opportunities in investing agriculture and livestock in Pakistan as it is one of the biggest milk producing country in the world. He told them that international community are investing in dairy industry in Pakistan and Saudi businessmen can also avail this opportunity.
Mr. Shaukat Aziz also highlighted economic performance of the country and said it is on the way to sustain seven to eight percent annual growth rate which also offers lucrative investment opportunities.