On this very auspicious occasion, the National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, I, on behalf of all Pakistanis in the Kingdom, convey my best wishes to the Khadim Al-Harmain Al-Sharifain, King Fahd ibn Abdul Aziz Al-Saud, and to the people of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have traditionally enjoyed very close relations. Religious affinity and historical ties, have led to harmony and understanding on many regional and international issues. Our relationship is based on mutual trust and confidence, and draws its strength from common cultural heritage and shared values. As in the past, Pakistanis in the Kingdom continue to live and work hand in hand with their Saudi brethren for the progress of the Kingdom. All these factors have served to join the people and the government of the two countries in a durable bond, that holds much promise for the future.
Today, the National Day of the Kingdom marks the phenomenal development the country has witnessed over the last three decades. The economic resources of the Kingdom, whether spent on power generation, desalination projects and physical infrastructure, or on human resource development, health and education, signify the multifaceted progress made by Saudi Arabia for the welfare of its people. Besides these, the leadership here has evolved sound policies to attract foreign investment and visitors to the Kingdom. On the international front, our host government signifies a voice of reason, and commands respect in regional and international fora. These steps make Saudi Arabia a model of development and prosperity for the Islamic Ummah.
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Fahd ibn Abdul Aziz Al-Saud, like his predecessors, has also seen to it that Saudi Arabia shares its prosperity with others. It provides a significant ratio of its gross national produce as financial assistance to more than 70 countries; and not only in the Islamic world. It also supports just causes and provides assistance to the oppressed Muslims of Kashmir, Palestine and elsewhere. This has earned the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia the respect and appreciation of many freedom loving people all over the globe.
The leadership of the Kingdom has strived consistently to strengthen, relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. A topical illustration of this special bond has been our close coordination of policies in the aftermath of last September events in the US. That affected both our countries and people starkly. We pray for the health and long life of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and for the continued progress and prosperity of the brotherly people of Saudi Arabia.
Long Live Pak-Saudi friendship.
Lt. Gen. (Retd.) M. Asad Durrani
Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan