Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have a long history of friendly relations. This bond of love is at the very core of the relationship that the two countries share. They are bound by the thread of a common faith and a sense of reciprocity and cooperation in times of need.

Hence, the views expressed by Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in Monday’s joint statement at the end of Crown Prince Salman’s visit to Islamabad were only a matter of formalities and very natural.

Besides, being host to a large Pakistani expatriate community, Saudi Arabia has bailed out Pakistan in moments of dire economic crises, whether it was the disaster of 2005 earthquake or the catastrophic floods of 2010. The two events in particular had crippled the Pakistan economy, and Saudi Arabia came forward to its rescue helping Pakistan revive its sagging economy.

The harmony is also manifest in the grand Faisal Mosque (made with the help of Saudi Arabia) that stands with all its splendor in Islamabad, recapping Pakistan’s eternal link of friendship and mutual devotion with Saudi Arabia. 

On international diplomacy too, the two countries have taken a principled stand on several issues like those of Palestine and Kashmir. The history bears witness to Pakistan’s military support extended during the Gulf War.

It was heartening to see the top two leaders of both the countries expressing firm determination to carry forward this seasoned and close relationship. The people of both nations have also carried forward this evergreen friendship despite all hardships.

They have stood by each other through thick and thin and demonstrated the value of their friendship during encounters at regional and international levels. Pakistan will certainly play a dominant role in nurturing and firming up these ties and would continue to enhance this splendid legacy.

May this Saudi-Pak friendship build up to last boundlessly! — Shaukat Naeem Ghumman, Riyadh