JEDDAH, 1 June 2005 — Saudi-Pakistan relations are getting stronger, says Pakistani Ambassador to the Kingdom Abdul Aziz Mirza. He said the setting up of a free trade zone would take bilateral economic ties to new heights.
In an interview with Arab News, the ambassador also pointed out that the Council of Ministers in the Kingdom had approved the trade agreement between the two countries as well as the proposals to establish the free trade zone.
Mirza commended the great efforts made by leaders of the two countries to conclude the agreement, adding that these efforts, which took one and a half years, were aimed at the welfare and progress of their peoples.
He said Pakistan and the Gulf Cooperation Council, which groups Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, signed a trade agreement last September.
The ambassador noted the role played by GCC Secretary-General Abdul Rahman Al-Attiyah to reach the accord.
“I am sure that the Saudi approval would encourage other GCC member states to endorse the agreement within the next few months,” the ambassador said citing the remarkable position of Saudi Arabia in the regional organization.
Mirza said Saudi Arabia recruits nearly 65,000 Pakistani workers and professionals annually, adding that Pakistani workers receive every support and care from the Saudi government.
“I have instructed officials at both the Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah to provide them with every assistance required,” he added.
The ambassador also pointed out that Pakistani workers are receiving good salaries compared to some other nationalities, adding that the lowest salary written in their work contracts is SR1,800.
Saudi businessmen have commended the skills and expertise of Pakistani workers in Saudi Arabia and their exceptional role in boosting the Kingdom’s development, he explained.
