ISLAMABAD, SEPT 30 (DNA) – Federal Minister for Planning and Development Chaudhry Ahsan Iqbal said that Pakistan’s closest relationship with Saudi Arabia is the cardinal principle of its foreign policy – backed by all political parties in the country. Strong relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have always stood the test of time and Riyadh always supported Islamabad during difficult times, he said in his brief comments on the eve of 85th National Day of Saudi Arabia.

The reception to mark the occasion was hosted by Saudi Arabian ambassador to Pakistan Abdullah M. Al- Zahrani here at a local hotel.

Although Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are two different countries yet the spiritual corridor between them make the two people a single nation, the minister said. Their relations would further be cemented in days ahead, he added. The national anthems of the two countries were also played on the occasion.

Later the chief guest joined Saudi envoy along with Leader of the House in Senate Raja Muhammad Zafar ul Haq, Minister for SAFRON Lt. Gen.(R) Abdul Qadir Baloch and Chief of General Staff Lt. Gen. Zubair Mahmood Hayat (CGS) to cut the cake.

In his brief remarks, the Saudi Ambassador Al. Zahrani referred to the historical and very close ties between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.

The reception was attended among others by politicians, diplomats from various countries and elite of the city.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have very close relations and their ties are regarded as the most “important and bilateral partnership” in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

The people of Pakistan have special love for Saudi Arabia as it was the host to the two holiest places of Islam and Muslims from across the world travel there to perform pilgrimage. =DNA
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