President: Pakistani-Saudi ties ‘difficult to emulate’

President Mamnoon Hussain in group photo with the Saudi Delegation headed by Deputy Minister of Education of Saudi Arabia Hamad Nasser A. Al-Mehrej in Islamabad on May 08, 2018. (Photo courtesy: Press Information Department)

• Saudi Arabia has increased the number of scholarships for Pakistani students to 580
• The president said bilateral trade is below its true potential and needs to be increased

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain on Tuesday said his country and Saudi Arabia enjoy deep historical, religious and cultural ties that are “difficult to emulate.”
While meeting with Deputy Education Minister Hamad Nasser Al-Mehrej and other visiting Saudi officials, Hussain said bilateral relations will continue to grow via exchanges of high-level delegations. 
Bilateral trade is below its true potential and needs to be increased, the president added. He expressed hope that Saudi businessmen and investors will benefit from opportunities in Pakistan.
Al-Mehrej said Saudi Arabia will continue to promote education in Pakistan, and “has increased the number of scholarships for Pakistani students to 580.”