ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi today (Saturday) reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia.
According to Foreign Office (FO), the Foreign Minister received a telephone call from his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. Matters related to bilateral cooperation in various fields, as well as cooperation in multilateral organizations were discussed. They also exchanged views on global and regional issues of mutual interest.
The two also reviewed the outcomes of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s recent visit to the kingdom and agreed to work together towards early and effective implementation of the decisions taken by the leadership of the two countries.
On behalf of Pakistan’s leadership, Qureshi conveyed best wishes to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
The Saudi FM also apprised Shah Mahmood Qureshi about the challenges related to organizing Hajj this year and the measures taken by the Kingdom in the larger interest of public health. “Qureshi conveyed his understanding of the situation and expressed confidence in the decisions taken in public interest by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.
Earlier today, Saudi Arabia announced it will allow 60,000 vaccinated residents of the kingdom to perform the annual Hajj. The Hajj ministry said this year’s pilgrimage would be “open for nationals and residents of the kingdom, limited to 60,000 pilgrims.
The two ministers met twice in May 2021; first, during PM Imran’s visit Saudi Arabia, and then on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meeting on Palestine in New York.
