President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have extended their congratulations to Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman on Saudi Arabia’s National Day.
In congratulatory messages, President Zardari expressed his best wishes and highlighted the deep ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, rooted in shared faith, history, friendship, mutual trust and solidarity.
He said the Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement and the Makkah Mutual Defense Agreement represent important milestones in the longstanding partnership between the two countries and contribute to promoting peace, stability and security in the region.
Zardari said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia highly value their close relations, marked by cooperation and mutual support at bilateral, regional and international forums. He expressed confidence that fraternal ties would continue to expand and strengthen in various fields for the mutual benefit of both countries and their peoples.
The president also said he looked forward to welcoming Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Pakistan at a mutually convenient and early date and working with him to further deepen and broaden bilateral cooperation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan remains committed to further strengthening its strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia. He noted that the two countries have signed a Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement, describing it as a reflection of the importance of their relationship and mutual cooperation.
The prime minister also strongly condemned Houthi attacks, particularly the reported attempt to target Makkah, saying any threat to the sanctity and security of the Holy Mosques hurts the sentiments of Muslims around the world.
He reaffirmed that Pakistan stands shoulder to shoulder with Saudi Arabia in safeguarding its sovereignty and security, expressing confidence that the fraternal relations between the two countries will continue to grow stronger.
