Imam Masjid Al-Nabawi visits Islamabad, reaffirms strong Pak-Saudi ties

• Imam and President Zardari meet at President House on Thursday.
• Imam Al-Budair discusses issues related to Muslim ummah with president.
• President hopes visit of Imam Al-Budair will boost Pak-Saudi ties.

ISLAMABAD: Imam of Masjid Al-Nabawi Dr Salah Bin Mohammad Al-Budair has reaffirmed the strong bilateral relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in a meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari in Islamabad. 

The imam called on the president at President House on Thursday as he pays a visit to Pakistan. 

During the meeting, the visiting dignitary discussed matters and issues related to the Muslim ummah with President Zardari.

Imam Al-Budair said that the leadership and people of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia highly valued their relations with Pakistan. He stated that the two countries enjoy a strong partnership and should work together to address the challenges faced by the Islamic world.

He lauded the contributions of the Pakistani community towards the development of Saudi Arabia. He also highlighted that the reforms initiated by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al-Saud would bring further growth and prosperity to the KSA.

Welcoming Imam Al-Budair in the country, the president said that Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) enjoyed excellent relations, based on common faith, history, and brotherhood.

He expressed satisfaction that relations between the two brotherly countries were growing stronger and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further boosting bilateral ties.

President Zardari underlined the need for greater unity and cooperation among Muslim countries to overcome the challenges being faced by Muslims all over the world. 

He also appreciated the courage and vision of Prince Salman, who was spearheading the process of reforms for the betterment and welfare of the people of KSA.

The president expressed the hope that the visit of the Imam of Masjid Al-Nabawi would further boost bilateral ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. He also prayed for peace and prosperity in Pakistan.

He urged the need to promote cultural and people-to-people relations to bring the two brotherly countries further closer.

Reiterating Pakistan’s support for KSA, the president said that the republic was a close friend and that Pakistan would always stand with Saudi Arabia.