ISLAMABAD ( WNAM): Pakistani leaders and the Kingdom’s envoy to Pakistan have praised the leadership in Riyadh for its efforts to realign Middle East dynamics and open up the Saudi economy and society.
The comments came during celebrations in Islamabad to commemorate Saudi Arabia’s 93rd National Day.
The Saudi government, in an effort led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has made remarkable changes in recent years under a vast economic transformation plan, Vision 2030, to diversify away from oil and open the Kingdom to business and tourism amid increasing regional competition.
The Kingdom has also gone into diplomatic overdrive, restoring relations with Iran and agreeing to a rapprochement with Syria in its quest to rebuild regional alliances, instead of leaning entirely on the US, its long-time big power ally. It has also recently joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organization as part of Riyadh’s attempts to build a long-term partnership with China.
“Under the ideal leadership, Saudi Arabia is not just addressing the future, it is actively shaping it,” Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani said at a ceremony to celebrate Saudi National Day.
He added: “Dialogue and mutual respect are the bedrock on which lasting peace is made.
“We are confident that Saudi efforts will open doors to various opportunities, including trade, the sharing of initiatives, and collaboration between leaders and their followers, not only for the region but for the entire world.”
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are close allies and share strong economic, security and cultural ties. Saudi Arabia is also home to more than 2 million Pakistani expatriates, making it the largest contributor to remittance inflows.
