Saudi FM Prince Faisal underscores importance that Saudi Arabia attaches to its fraternal & strategic relationship with Pakistan


ISLAMABAD, Mar 22 (SABAH): Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi met the Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, on the side-lines of the 48th Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Islamabad on Tuesday.

The two Foreign Ministers exchanged views on bilateral relations as well as issues of regional and global importance.

Underscoring the fraternal relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, the Foreign Minister reaffirmed the commitment of Pakistan’s leadership to further advance ongoing cooperation in various areas of mutual importance.

Both sides also agreed to further strengthen their coordination on regional and international matters, and to keep close communication and collaboration in multilateral forums including the OIC, UN, and international financial institutions.

Expressing satisfaction on the level of cooperation at multilateral fora, the two Foreign Ministers agreed to remain closely engaged to pursue common objectives. Noting Saudi Arabia’s candidature to host World Expo 2030 in Riyadh, Foreign Minister Qureshi extended Pakistan’s unconditional support to the Saudi bid. Prince Farhan thanked Pakistan for supporting the Kingdom’s bid at the 169th General Assembly of Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), scheduled to be held in December 2023.

The two Foreign Ministers reviewed OIC’s importance as a vital platform for the Islamic Ummah and its role in the advancement of common causes of the Muslim World.

Prince Faisal underscored the importance that Saudi Arabia attaches to its fraternal and strategic relationship with Pakistan. He conveyed Saudi Arabia’s appreciation for the role played by Pakistan in the OIC.

Meanwhile Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi met Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, on the sidelines of the 48th session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Islamabad on Tuesday.

The two Foreign Ministers discussed bilateral relations and exchanged views on the latest regional and international developments. The Foreign Minister recalled that Pakistan and Bahrain enjoy traditionally close and fraternal ties, rooted in common faith and shared values. He stressed the importance of further deepening cooperation between the two friendly countries including collaboration at multilateral forums.

Foreign Minister Qureshi highlighted that, as a founding member of the OIC, Pakistan remains committed to further strengthening fraternal bonds and practical cooperation within the Muslim Ummah, and promoting Islamic solidarity.

The two Foreign Ministers also reviewed the major issues confronting the Islamic countries and the world at large. They explored avenues for greater role of the OIC in that regard.