Deal signed to establish Saudi-Pakistani Supreme Coordination Council
Mosque named after King Salman to be built in Islamabad
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan have signed an agreement to establish the Saudi-Pakistani Supreme Coordination Council.
Pakistan’s Cabinet approved the council’s establishment ahead of Khan’s Friday evening arrival in the Kingdom. The body will streamline bilateral cooperation on investment deals signed during the crown prince’s visit to Pakistan in Feb. 2019.
Representatives from both countries also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and chemical precursors, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
“Another MoU for financing eligible projects in the fields of energy, infrastructure, transportation, water, and communications between the Saudi Fund for Development and Pakistan was signed as well,” Al-Arabiya TV reported.
Khan is on a three-day visit to Saudi Arabia on the invitation of the crown prince, who was present at Jeddah’s airport to receive him and his wife.
The crown prince and Khan held wide-ranging talks on bilateral, regional and international issues in Jeddah, according to a statement from Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry. “The two leaders reaffirmed the strong and historic bonds between the two countries rooted firmly in shared beliefs, common values, mutual trust and longstanding tradition of mutual support,” the
ministry said, adding that the two parties agreed to further “strengthen, deepen and diversify” existing bilateral political, economic, trade, defense and security ties.
“Special emphasis was laid on increasing Saudi investments in Pakistan, collaboration in the field of energy, and increased job opportunities for Pakistanis in
Saudi Arabia.”
On regional issues, Khan outlined his vision of a “peaceful neighborhood” and praised the crown prince for his efforts and initiatives to reinforce and promote regional peace.
Khan highlighted the situation in Indian-administered Kashmir and stressed the importance of a peaceful resolution to the dispute. He also said Pakistan had made consistent efforts to support peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan, the ministry added.
Khan has invited the crown prince to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience, the Foreign Ministry said.
A mosque named after King Salman will be built at the International Islamic University in Islamabad.
The mosque includes a prayer hall for men accommodating 4,000 worshippers and another for women accommodating 2,000 worshippers.
It will also have a museum and a library in the name of King Salman, the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Conference Hall, an administrative area and a parking lot.
There will also be outdoor yards that can accommodate 6,000 people.
SPA reported that King Salman had approved the plan.