ISLAMABAD, (DNA) – Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malkiy called on Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser in Islamabad on Friday.

They discussed matters of mutual interest. The Speaker National Assembly on the occasion said Pakistan greatly valued its relations with Pakistan.

The speaker said bilateral relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are time tested and growing with the each passing day.

The Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser has said that Saudi Arabia was selfless friend of Pakistan and stood firmly with Pakistan in every difficult time and provided assistance generously.

He said that Pakistan is proud of its exemplary friendship with Saudi Arabia. He expressed these views while talking to Ambassador of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Mr. Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki who called on him at Parliament House on Friday.

The Speaker said that the long term and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were based on respect and affection of the people of both the countries for each other.

He said that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia shared common faith, culture, history and heritage. He said that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have commonality of views on regional and global issues and both the friends have always supported each other at regional and international forums.  He said that Parliament of Pakistan has also remained in the forefront to cement the brotherly relations.

Asad Qaiser urged the need to further strengthen the existing relations based on brotherhood and fraternity.  He said that the honour and warm welcome extended by the Saudi Arabia Government and people to the Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan during his recent visit to Saudi Arabia will prove milestone to further strengthen the bilateral relations.

He appreciated the relief package given by Saudi Government to overcome the financial crises in Pakistan.  He said that a large number of Pakistani expatriates serving in various fields in Saudi Arabia and earning valuable foreign exchange for their homeland.

The Speaker stressed the need for concession in punishment to Pakistani people who have been convicted in minor offences in Saudi Arabia.

He welcomed Saudi’s participation in China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).  He opined that bilateral relations will be further strengthened by investment of Saudi Arabia in Pakistan.

He said that ties between the two Parliaments will be cemented by reactivation of friendship groups in National Assembly of Pakistan.  He said that unity among the Muslim countries was imperative to overcome the challenges confronted by Ummah.  The Speaker also invited the Speaker of Saudi Majlis-e-Shoora to visit Pakistan.

            The Ambassador of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Mr. Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki termed the relations between the two countries historic and unique.  He said that Pakistan is the closest friend and ally of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  He said that Shah Sulman and Crown Prince have a great respect and affection for Pakistan.  He assured his government is all out support to Pakistan in diverse fields.  He was confident that fraternal relations between both the countries would further strengthen by frequent interactions between the Parliamentarians of both the countries.  He said that Saudi Arabia would always stand by its Pakistani brethren whenever needed. He expressed his optimism that the recent visit of Prime Minister Imran Khan would further strengthen the relations between the two brotherly countries.  He assured the Speaker that he will talk to high-up of the Saudi Arabia Government for concession to Pakistani people who were convicted in minor offences in Saudi Arabia. He also extended invitation to Speaker National Assembly on the behalf of Speaker Saudi Majlis-e-Shoora to visit Saudia Arabia.