ISLAMABAD, 23 September 2006 — A grand function was held here last night to mark the National Day of Saudi Arabia. Ambassador Ali Awadh Asseri hosted a reception at a hotel here attended by dignitaries, including federal ministers, top brass of the armed forces and senior government officials. The venue was decorated with Pakistani and Saudi flags. Portraits of Custodian of the two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz were there to demonstrate the strong Islamic and traditional friendship existing between Pakistan and the Kingdom.

Guests, numbering around 700, were entertained with traditional Arabian dishes, tea and dates. Ambassador Asseri visited earthquake-hit regions on Wednesday to inspect the projects funded by the Kingdom for the rehabilitation of earthquake victims.

Ministers who attended the reception included: Health Minister Naseer Khan, Minister of State for Petroleum Naseer Mengal, Tariq Azeem Chaudhry, senior armed forces and civil officials. Former Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali also attended the event.

Ambassador Asseri by virtue of his seniority will assume the role of Doyen of the Corps of Diplomatique in Islamabad in October.