ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday praised Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 government program, describing it as an “ideal model” for the entire world to follow as the Kingdom marks its 94th National Day today.
Saudi Arabia celebrates its National Day on September 23 each year to commemorate the unification of the kingdom and its founding by King Abdul Aziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud.
Under the Vision 2030 program, Saudi Arabia is consolidating its economy along modern lines. This is a strategic development framework intended to cut the kingdom’s reliance on oil and is aimed at developing public service sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, recreation and tourism.
Sharif congratulated the kingdom on its National Day, praising King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman for ensuring Saudi Arabia emerged as a great country of the 21st century, state broadcaster Radio Pakistan said.
“He said Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is an ideal model for the whole world,” the state broadcaster said. “In today’s era, Saudi Arabia is leading by example the developing countries in business, technology, economy and other fields.”
Sharif said Pakistan’s ties to Saudi Arabia are rooted in common culture and faith, adding that both countries have always stood by each other during difficult times.
“The Prime Minister said the entire nation is grateful for Saudi Arabia’s cooperation in the recent stabilization of Pakistan’s economy,” Radio Pakistan said. “He said the brotherly relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia will always remain intact.”
Separately, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmad Farooq congratulated the kingdom on the occasion.
“We at the embassy of Pakistan remain committed to further enhancing this partnership, exploring new avenues for cooperation and working toward our shared vision of progress and prosperity,” Farooq said in a video message, speaking in Arabic.
Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited the Saudi embassy in Islamabad and felicitated Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, state-run media reported.
He congratulated the ambassador and expressed good wishes for the Saudi royal family and the people of Saudi Arabia.
“Saudi Arabia has always stood by Pakistan, whether during floods, earthquakes, economic or other challenges,” he said. “Their support has been unparalleled.”
Naqvi said every Muslim held Saudi Arabia in special esteem, adding that Saudi Arabia has consistently supported Pakistan through thick and thin, and every Pakistani takes pride in “our historic friendship.”
