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ISLAMABAD: A labourer fixes a rod to a national flag of Saudi Arabia in front of Parliament House, as part of the preparations ahead of the arrival of the visiting Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud. |
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ISLAMABAD, February 01 (Online): Khadim Al-Harmain Al-Sharifain King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will pay state visit to Pakistan today on the invitation of the President of Pakistan from 1-2 February, 2006.
His Majesty the King will be accompanied by a high level delegation comprising Cabinet members, government officials and business leaders.
His majesty king Abdullah will hold in-depth talks with the President, covering a wide range of bilateral, regional and international issue of interest and concern to the two countries.
This will be the 5th visit to Pakistan. King Abdullah last visited Pakistan in October 2003, in his capacity as a kingdom’s Crown Prince. The last visit of a Saudi Monarch to Pakistan was that of the late King Khaled in 1976. from Pakistan, the President paid a visit to Saudi Arabia in June 2005, and than on 1 August to attend the funeral of the late king Fahd.
The visit of Saudi King is taking place at a critical time in the region. The President will talk to the Royal visitor on the evolving security situation in the region which will be of particular importance.
The president will host a state Banquet in honour of his Majesty. The Saudi Monarch’s programme also includes a meeting with the Prime Minister who will host an official lunch for the King. A number of bilateral cooperation agreements are expressed to be signed during the Royal visit.
Pakistan is deeply appreciative of the solidarity and support readily extended by the leadership of Saudi Arabia in the wake of the devastating earthquake on 8 October 2005. at the instructions of king Abdullah, the Saudi authorities set up an air bridge with Pakistan soon after the earthquake to ensure a steady supply of relief goods for the affected people.
Saudi Arabia has additionally pledged $ 573 million for the rebuilding and rehabilitation tasks in the affected areas.
Pakistan’s longstanding and fraternal ties with Saudi Arabia have always been exceptionally close and warm. Saudi Arabia is Pakistan’s largest oil supplier. Trade between the two countries during the 2004-2005 fiscal year amounted to $ 2.8 billion, while the Saudi investments in Pakistan during this period stood at $ 275 million.
Nearly 1.1 million expatriates Pakistanis are living and working in Saudi Arabia, who have made a valuable contribution to the development of the Kingdom. They are a source of strength and stability for our bilateral relations.
His landmark visit to Pakistan will significantly contribute to raising Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations to higher plane.
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