“Pakistan has a special relationship with Saudi Arabia. The two countries share cultural and religious history,” Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said on Saturday.
He said the government of Saudi Arabia had stood by the people of Pakistan in trying times.
“Whether it was war, earthquakes or floods, Saudi Arabia has always supported Pakistan,” he said.
He was addressing a luncheon he hosted in honour of Saudi Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz and his delegation at the Governor’s House. Federal and provincial ministers, senators, senior government officials, religious scholars and industrialists were also present.
He said the people of Pakistan attached great importance to their ties with Saudi Arabia and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif wanted to further strengthen the relationship. Shahbaz Sharif welcomed the Saudi prince and members of his delegation to Lahore. “The Muslim world is proud of Saudi Arabia as it has rendered invaluable services in the fields of knowledge and training,” Shahbaz said.
He said King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz had stood by Pakistan at every critical juncture in its history.
He expressed the hope that Saudi Arabia would continue to cooperate with Pakistan and the current visit would cement existing ties between the two countries.
Prince Sultan said the city of Lahore was very beautiful and its people were loving and affectionate.
He said he would never forget the love shown to him by his hosts.
He said Saudi Arabia attached great importance to historical ties with Pakistan and desired political and economic stability in the country.
Earlier, he held a meeting with Shahbaz Sharif at Governor’s House.
Governor Muhammad Sarwar, MNA Hamza Shahbaz and members of Saudi delegation were present on the occasion. Matters of mutual interest and bilateral relations were discussed.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 9th, 2014.