Message of the Ambassador Mr. Abdullah M. Al-Zahrani on the occasion of  85^th National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

 In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Praise and thanks is due to Allah the Lord of the universe and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah.

It is a pleasant chance occurrence that I returned to Pakistan few weeks ago as ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.While I feel proud to represent my country in Pakistan, I am overwhelmed with joyto celebrate National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with my Pakistani brothers and sisters.

Saudi Arabia has always been an advocate of stability, peace and fraternity between the brotherly countries, seeking cooperation with friends around the world. It has always attached great importance to international legitimacy and commitment to UN principles thatcall for cooperation between the countries and avoidingmeddling in the affairs of other countries.

Our 85^thNational Day comes about while we are more committed than ever to the principles of non-interference, respect for the neighborhood and observingthe UN principles as source for all actions undertaken by the states. Having firm belief in these principles, adhering to the Charter of Arab League and Organization of Islamic Cooperation and being conscious that right is indivisible and to work for the realization of rightismoral and religious duty, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia therefore backed the legitimate government of Yemen against the rebels who were bent on turning the Yemen into a country retreating from its Arab and Islamiccharacter and reneging on its Arabian and international obligations.

It is thus imperative to thank the brotherly people of Pakistan for showing sympathy with this position of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. What happened in Yemen is that non-state actors staged coup against legitimacy much like the way some outlawed militias are doing in Pakistan.The Pakistani government has done well to rout and eliminate them.

Words are not enough to describe Saudi-Pakistan relationship. The depth of this relationship is expressed by profound feelings of affection, friendliness and enthusiasm to lead it to new horizons and vistas.

There is much in the prospects for this relationship.The cultural factor has always been a strong bond over time. Islamic religion has remained one of the dimensions of this relationship which draws Muslims to Makkah al-Mukarrama, which Allah has described “a place of return for the people and a place of security”.The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is privilegedto care for the Holy Mosque’s security, protection andmobilizing tremendous resources so thatMuslims from all over the world perform rituals of pilgrimage in ease and comfort.This factor has its role in growing communication between the people of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan and regular exchanges of visits and cooperation. We have the same customs, traditions and religiousculture.

The economic prospects for the relationship between our two countries are wide-ranging. Both countries have free economy; believe in individual entrepreneurship and freedom of investment. Cooperation in the economic sphere is substantial. Saudi Embassy in Islamabadencourages Pakistani businessmen to invest in the Kingdom. Saudi businessmen are also encouraged to bring investments toPakistan and take advantage of investment opportunities here.

Trade flow between the two countries directly or through a third party is reasonable and can be further expanded if businessmen in both countries work together. Saudi Arabia’s economy together with the economies of Arab Gulf states is an advanced economypresenting important tributary for the economy of Pakistan. It provides a huge space for the Pakistani workforce to trainand acquaint withthe most modern technology of the world. The stability enjoyed by Saudi Arabia and the growth and development of its economy is the fruit of fundamental guidelines Saudi Arabia has been following ever sinceit was united by King Abdulaziz Al-Saud, May Allah have mercy on him.

The kingdom of Saudi Arabia has walked several strides on the road to prosperity and growth, thanks to Allah Almighty, then to its wise leadership. The best proof of that wisdom is manifested in decisions, bothnational and international, taken by King Salman bin Abdulaziz, may Allah protect him – since he took over the reins of power.

As blessed by Allah to serve the two holy mosques and giftedwith farsighted leadership of vivid vision and high standing eminence in the international arena, King Salman bin Abdulazizassumed responsibility as the Arab leader to care about the Ummah’s security, stability and its befitting placeamong the comity of nations.

Pakistan and its brotherly faithful people always had distinctive place among the Saudi leadership and the Saudi people. As I thank the Pakistani government and the Pakistani people for joining us to celebrate the Saudi National Day, I would like to   present congratulations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Nayef and Deputy Crown Prince His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman. I pray to Allah Almighty to protect the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan and sustain their unique relationship.