ISLAMABAD: Senior officials and analysts Monday hailed the visit of Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince in Pakistan, termed the Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Pakistan presents a “historic opportunity” to expand collaboration in all sectors.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Pakistan is highly anticipated and presents a historic opportunity to expand collaboration between our two friendly countries in all fields,” Analysts said.
Expert on International Relations Dr. Huma Baqai said, the high-profile visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman visit was manifestation of the strength of relationship and it would go a long way in building strategic and economic relations that has been the hallmark of two brotherly countries.
She said, Pakistan has an opportunity to present its stance in front of Saudi Crown Prince regarding Pulwama’s tragic incident as India is continuously alleging Pakistan of involvement in the incident, adding, Saudi Arabia was the country that supported Pakistan in critical times and the recent visit of Saudi Crown Prince would strengthen Riyadh’s diplomatic support to Islamabad and reinforce relations between both countries.
Economist Mirza Ikhtiar Baig said Pakistan has facing several economic challenges and the Saudi investment in development projects in the country would send across a positive message to the world about Pakistan.
Saudi Arabia was investing in long-term projects, which showed that the Middle East countries have sighted Pakistan to be a developed country in near future, he added.
The economist said main focus of Pakistan is to strengthen trade, agriculture, tourism and other relations with Saudi Arabia. Riyadh is interested to establish an oil refinery in Gwadar.
He said Saudi Arabia wants to make Pakistan’s economic development stable by establishing an oil refinery and having partnership with Pakistan in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
Former Foreign Secretary Najam-ud-Din Sheikh said the Saudi relationship with Pakistan was considered to be one of the exemplary and exceptional.
He further said Pakistan supported the Saudi role and provided all out assistance to the Kingdom at political, military and diplomatic levels.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoyed fraternal relations and all Pakistanis have a special place for Saudi Arabians in their hearts, he added.
He explained, Saudi Arabia stepped forward with a US$ 6 billion bailout package for Pakistan’s ailing economy, adding, the package included US $ 3bn balance of payments support and another US$ 3bln in deferred payments on oil imports.
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