Pakistan and Saudi Arabia's relations entering New Era
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have a very special close relationship that has stood the test of time. The bonds of brotherhood between the two countries are undeniable and the fact that both the Holy cities of Makkah and Medina are in Saudi Arabia strengthen these bonds. In times of need the two countries have always stood by each other and their respect for each other is paramount.
The visit of the Saudi Crown PrinceMuhammad bin Salman to Pakistan is an auspicious event that is reflective of strong strategic relations and brotherly ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
This landmark visit is a feather in the cap of the government and Prime Minister Imran Khan as itis reflective of the trust and respect that the two countries have for each other.
Pakistan and Sadia Arabia will sign a number of investment deals and MOU's, including in the fields of investment, finance, power, internal security, media and culture during the visit of the Crown Prince. There will also be follow-up on agreements signed between the two countries during Prime Minister Imran Khan's visit to KSA last year.
Prince Salman will participate in an international investment conference in Islamabad and will be the keynote speaker. A 40-member Saudi delegation, and over 100 Saudi and Pakistani business leaders will attend the international event.The forum will deliberate on energy, petro chemicals, housing, tourism in Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, as well as sign MoUs in this regard.
Over the years Saudi Arabia has provided financial aid and economic support to Pakistan. Saudi Arabia is the largest source for petroleum for Pakistan.
Remittances from Pakistani migrants in Saudi Arabia are also a major source of foreign currency for Pakistan.In recent years, both countries have exchanged high-level delegations and developed plans to expand bilateral cooperation in trade, education, real estate, tourism, communications and other fields.
Military cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is important as Pakistan is the only Muslim nuclear power and thus has a unique standing among Muslim nations.
For Saudi Arabia, Pakistan's increasing role in Gulf security since the 1960's was re-assuring, as Pakistan was not viewed by the Kingdom as a regional rival. In fact military might of Pakistan helped to restore internal stability and enhance defense capability of Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia exercises considerable influence among Islamic states and this benefits Pakistan. Cooperation between the two countries is for their mutual benefit. The recent re-invigoration of bilateral ties at political, military and economic levels indicate that both countries will continue to closely cooperate on strategic and regional security issues in the Middle East and Afghanistan.
The mutual strategic and economic compul- sions that had initially brought Saudi Arabia and Pakistan together will enable them to meet the challenges of future and maintain co-operation in economic, military and political arenas. Pakistan can help with regards to the current economic and political reforms in Saudi Arabia that the kingdom is eager to implement as per Vision 2030.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has always helped Pakistan in times of need. The visit of Saudi Crown Prince to Pakistan is a historic event. The visit conveys message to the world that Pakistan has great significance for Saudi Arabia and vice versa.
It is a diplomatic victory of Pakistan and also significant in terms of regional politics. The people of Pakistan can take heart that they have such a strong ally and friend.