President for unity among Muslim countries to address challenges

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday underlined the need for greater unity and cooperation among Muslim countries to overcome the challenges being faced by the Muslim Ummah.

He expressed these views while talking to Imam Masjid Al-Nabawi Dr Salah bin Mohammad Al-Budair, who called on him at Aiwan-e-Sadr.

Welcoming Dr Al-Budair, the president said that Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) enjoyed excellent relations, based on common faith, history, and brotherhood, the official news agency reported.

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

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

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

The Imam Masjid Al-Nabawi said that the leadership and people of KSA highly valued their relations with Pakistan. He stated that Pakistan and KSA enjoyed strong partnership and both countries 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 Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al-Saud would bring further development and prosperity to KSA.

The president appreciated the courage and vision of Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who was spearheading the process of reforms for the betterment and welfare of the people of KSA.

He expressed the hope that the visit of the Imam Masjid Al-Nabawi would further boost bilateral relations. Dr Al-Budair also prayed for the peace and prosperity of Pakistan.