Saudi embassy in Pakistan hosts National Day reception

ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki hosted a  reception to celebrate his country's 88th National Day in Islamabad.

Pakistan’s Defense Minister Pervez Khattak, who was the chief guest, congratulated King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the occasion.

“Let me reiterate that Pakistan remains committed to safe guard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” Khattak said in address to the gathering.

Nawaf said Saudi-Pakistan relations are characterized by its strength and durability “as they are deeply rooted since more than seven decades after the independence of Islamic Republic of Pakistan.”

“Prime Minister Imran Khan’s decision to choose Saudi Arabia as the destination of his first official visit abroad after assuming the office, reflects the sincere intention of the new government to work with Saudi Arabia and that the Kingdom is Pakistan’s first and foremost strategic ally,” he said.

He noted that there are more than 2.5 million Pakistanis living in Saudi Arabia and contributing to the Kingdom's “revitalization and prosperity.”

A big number of foreign diplomats, parliamentarians, politicians from almost all political parties including leader of opposition in national assembly Shehbaz Sharif, religious scholars, security officials, members of business community and journalists were among the participants at the reception.

The reception was followed by a grand dinner where guests were served with traditional Arabic and Pakistani food.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia harbors extreme love and appreciation for Pakistan nation, and similar love and appreciation exchange our brothers in Pakistan because the Kingdom has a special place in their hearts due to existence of the two Holy Mosques,” Ambassador Nawaf said.