Summary Both the leaders discussed matters relating to mutual interest.
ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) - Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud have expressed desire to further strengthen cooperation in various fields for promotion of the causes of Muslim Ummah.
The understanding reached during a meeting between the two leaders here Monday.
Nawaz Sharif said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have brotherly relations and have identical views on regional and international matters. He said Pakistan supports efforts of Saudi Arabia aimed at strengthening unity among the Islamic countries.
Prime Minister said Pakistan holds Saudi Arabia in the highest esteem and the relations between the two countries are more than fraternal. He said the large Pakistani community in Saudi Arabia serves as a bridge between the two countries and plays a positive role in the development of Saudi Arabia as well as Pakistan’s economy.
Saudi Crown Prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister for the hospitality shown to him and his delegation during the visit.
Meanwhile, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have agreed to continue to work on further fortifying existing political relations and enhance bilateral cooperation in defence sector.
A joint statement issued at the conclusion of the visit to Pakistan by Saudi Crown Prince says both the sides acknowledged importance of completing necessary measures for signing of the agreements and MoUs in different fields including Islamic affairs and endowments‚ labour‚ manpower‚ sports and an agreement to encourage and protect mutual investment in the two countries.
The two sides noted that there is a keen desire to further strengthen cooperation in various fields for the promotion of the causes of the Muslim Ummah.
They also called for taking advantage of the opportunities available in the two countries for expanding and improving investment‚ trade‚ energy‚ infrastructure development‚ agriculture and exchange of government s delegations for mutual benefit of the two countries.
The Saudi side expressed hope for reaching peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions so that it contributes to the achievement of a permanent peace and stability in the region.
Saudi Arabia welcomed the positive developments in Indo-Pakistan relations‚ which would reflect positively in the interest of the two countries and stability in the South Asian region.
The two countries reiterated their commitment to fight extremism and terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and continue to cooperate in the field of exchange of security-related information. They also emphasized the importance of security cooperation to combat the crimes of drug trafficking and money laundering.
Regarding Afghanistan‚ the two sides expressed their support for Afghan reconciliation by including all sides and components of the Afghan society for restoration of peace and stability in that country. They underlined support for the political process through holding the elections scheduled for April this year.
On the Palestinian issue‚ the two sides reaffirmed their consistent stand to support a just solution‚ which leads to establishment of Palestinian State with Al-Quds as its capital.
They reiterated the need for stopping Israeli practices such as continuation of building settlements and putting impediments in the way of peace efforts. The two sides emphasized that the peace efforts should be based on Arab peace initiatives and the relevant UN Resolutions.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia reiterated the need for finding of a quick solution of the existing conflict in Syria in order to restore peace and security and prevent bloodshed of the brotherly Syrian people.
