ISLAMABAD:  (DNA) – Acknowledging Saudi Arabia as a reliable partner of Pakistan in testing times, Prime Minister Imran Khan said the investments being carried out by the Saudi Arabia in Pakistan are in the interest of both countries.

Addressing a gathering after witnessing ceremony to sign agreements in diverse fields, PM Khan said Saudi Arabia had always been Pakistan’s friend and brother. “The Saudi leadership and nation live in the hearts of our people.”

Before his speech, more than eight agreements were signed between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in the presence of Saudi Crown Prince and PM Imran Khan.

The sectors for which MoUs were signed include cooperation in production of electricity, establishment of refinery petrochemical plant, promotion of sports and technical assistance in standardization sector.

Prime minister said both the countries are now taking the bilateral ties to ‘new heights’.

PM Khan said Saudi Arabia always stood by Pakistan in times of need. “It was a great honour for me to take a trip to Makkah and Madinah,” said the prime minister.

PM Khan welcomed Saudi Arabia’s investment into Pakistan, and said the trade agreements would take forward both the economies. “The investment is in the benefit for both of the countries.”

The premier had driven the Saudi crown prince to the Prime Minister House himself. Informing about his conversation with Saudi dignitary, he stated: “We spoke about promotion of tourism while driving [to the PM House].”

We have to do a lot in the field of tourism, he added. PM Khan said Pakistan had immense potential on tourism front. He also requested the crown prince to grant facility of immigration within Pakistan to Pakistani pilgrims.

Addressing the Crown Prince, PM Khan said 2.5mn Pakistanis resided in Saudi Arabia for work purposes, whereas 3000 Pakistanis were imprisoned in Saudi jails for petty crimes.

“We request you to please work for the release of Pakistani prisoners who are jailed in Saudi Arabia for minor crimes”, said PM Khan.

On this, the crown prince assured PM Khan of his full cooperation.

Earlier, delegation level talks between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia headed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan headed by Prime Minister Imran Khan at PM House in Islamabad.

I am Pakistan’s ambassador in Saudi Arabia: Crown Prince 

In his remarks, Saudi crown prince said: “We signed joint agreements with Pakistan worth $20 billion in the first phase.”

He added: “We are all confident in the common and bright future between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.”

Prince Mohammad bin Salman said: “We are working to expand economic partnership, including in the tourism sector. Pakistan will become a strong state soon and we will be partners as we have always been.”

Saudi Arabia is able to attract 50 million tourists in the next 15 years, he added.

Addressing Prime Minister Khan, the crown prince said that he should be considered as ‘ambassador of Pakistan in Saudi Arabia’.

“Pakistan has a bright future ahead due to its splendid leadership. It’s our brother country and I am happy to be here today”, he said.

The crown prince expressed his desire to carry forward the cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. “We will continue working with Pakistan and our friendship, brotherly ties will only expand with time”, he said.

“I am hopeful that Pakistan will progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan”, he said.