JEDDAH, 3 November — President Gen. Pervez Musharraf’s recent visit to the Kingdom was of great significance against the backdrop of rapid geo-political and geo-strategic developments in and around the Middle East and South Asia. The visit that further cemented ties between the two brotherly countries saw the two sides renew commitments for all-out support to each other on all regional and international issues.
Musharraf who arrived in Riyadh for a one-day official visit was received by Riyadh Governor Prince Salman and Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal. Senior ministers, princes and high ranking civil and military officers were also present.
During his visit, Musharraf held wide-ranging talks with the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques King Fahd and Crown Prince Abdullah, deputy premier and commander of the National Guard.
Matters concerning Pakistan-India relations, Afghanistan and situation in and around Middle East were discussed. The meetings were held in very cordial atmosphere and there was complete unanimity of views on all issues of mutual concern.
Musharraf expressed complete solidarity with Saudi Arabia and the two sides assured each other that they would stand by each other in all circumstances. The Saudi leadership assured Musharraf that the Kingdom will continue to play its brotherly role in the development of Pakistan. The Saudi leaders also congratulated Musharraf on the successful national elections in Pakistan.
Gen. Musharraf’s visit was very significant if we view it against the background of fast unfolding events in the world. A special envoy of President Musharraf visited the Kingdom just a few days before the president’s visit. This also gives credence to the perception that Gen. Musharraf’s visit was very important. Shaukat Aziz, minister for finance and a close confidant of President Musharraf, met Crown Prince Abdullah as a special envoy of the president and carried his (Gen. Musharraf’s) message. He also called on the Saudi finance minister and Prince Alwaleed ibn Talal. It appears that there were certain issues of vital importance that required Musharraf’s meeting with the Saudi leadership.
Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Ali Aodh Al Assairi who also accompanied the president during his visit was quoted in a press report as saying Musharraf’s visit will have far-reaching impact on trade, economic and political relations of the two countries. He expressed the Kingdom’s resolve to ensure stability and progress in Pakistan.
This outcome of the visit is expected to result in a heavy flow of Saudi investment to Pakistan.
