The prime minister’s visit follows President Asif Ali Zardari’s visit to the Kingdom on July 21.

During the visit, the premier is slated to meet Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah to discuss ways and means to further strengthen bilateral ties. Gilani will also visit the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.

According to sources, the visiting prime minister is expected to discuss current regional issues as well as economic cooperation between the two countries.

In an earlier statement, the premier termed Pakistan’s relations with Saudi Arabia as most vital and called for every endeavor possible to further strengthen these multifaceted ties through high level exchanges and regular interaction.

Arab News learned that the Afghan issue would also be taken up during the premier’s meeting with the king.

On Wednesday in London Gilani underlined that Pakistan’s policy on the war-torn country was very clear as it wanted a “stable, peaceful and prosperous” Afghanistan through a smooth transition.

Gilani said Pakistan believed in a policy of noninterference in Afghanistan’s internal affairs and believed that peace there was vital for the stability of the entire region.

Pakistan was trying to fight the menace of terrorism despite heavy odds but needed international support to sustain its commitment, he noted. During his recent visit in July to the Kingdom, Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari, who met with the king, discussed matters of mutual national interest, including security in the region and the pivotal role of Pakistan in the war against terrorism.