https://arab.news/vvrdw
- Both discussed matters of mutual interest, enhancing cooperation says interior ministry
- Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi credits Saudi Arabia for supporting Pakistan in difficult times
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s newly appointed Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki on Thursday to discuss bilateral relations and matters of mutual interest, the interior ministry said, in what was Naqvi’s first foreign interaction since assuming charge of office.
Naqvi, who was sworn in this week as a member of the federal cabinet, assumed charge as the country’s interior minister on Wednesday. He previously served as the caretaker chief minister of Pakistan’s most populous Punjab province from Jan. 2023 to Feb. 2024 and is currently the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Malki met Naqvi at the Diplomatic Enclave in Islamabad during which the Saudi ambassador congratulated him on assuming charge of his office, Pakistan’s interior ministry said.
“During the meeting matters of mutual interest, promoting bilateral ties and enhancing cooperation in various fields were discussed,” the ministry said.
Naqvi thanked the Saudi envoy for cooperating with the Punjab government during his tenure.
“Saudi Arabia has supported Pakistan in every trial,” Naqvi said, according to the ministry. “Saudi Arabia is like a second home for Pakistanis.”
The minister credited Malki for playing an “exemplary role” in strengthening Pakistan’s ties with Saudi Arabia.
“All of us are proud of our historic friendship with Saudi Arabia,” he said.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy strong trade and defense relations. The Kingdom is home to over 2.7 million Pakistani expatriates, serving as the top destination for remittances for the cash-strapped South Asian country.