Saudi National Day: A great day, a special bond

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia celebrated its 90th National Day on Wednesday, Sept. 23. It reminds us of the auspicious occasion when King Abdul Aziz established the modern-day Saudi Arabia in 1932 by unifying four regions. His epic struggle had started in 1902 through a spectacular conquest of Riyadh. This was the culmination of his 30-year-long struggle to unify the country. On this historic day, he laid foundation of a great nation that was destined to play an important role in the world.

Pakistan was established 15 years later, in 1947. At that time, it was the largest Muslim nation, in terms of population. The two nations were destined to be close allies for regional peace and stability. Mohammad Asad, a renowned scholar, who had become the first naturalized Pakistani in 1947, played a key role in the establishment of bilateral relations. He had earlier lived in the kingdom and knew its founder personally. Mohammad Asad had been a staunch supporter of the Pakistan idea even before the country was created. And he laid the foundation of a bond that has flourished ever since.

The development of strong bilateral ties has been smooth and consistent. In 1951, the two countries signed Treaty of Friendship. Pakistan extended technical support to establish the kingdom's central bank, Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA). Pakistani doctors and engineers went to the kingdom to serve their Saudi brothers. Today the kingdom has state-of-the-art health facilities and quality infrastructure, envied by many nations.

An important milestone in bilateral ties was the security co-operation agreement of 1982. A broad and clear framework was created to ensure peace and stability in the region. To put this important development in context, Afghanistan had been subjected to foreign military intervention. It was essential for regional nations to close ranks in order to ward off dangers created by destructive wars. Saudi Arabia and Pakistan were increasing cooperation to ensure peace and stability essential for developmental activities. The kingdom embarked upon gigantic developmental projects for which foreign manpower was required. Pakistan was one of the major contributors of workforce.

In defense and security cooperation, I have seen it first hand through my seven years plus stint in the kingdom that there could not be a greater honor for a Pakistani soldier than serving in the land where the message of his noble religion was revealed. Defense forces of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have established a rich tradition of joint training and exercises. Pakistani soldiers have had the unique honor of wearing Saudi uniform. In the multinational military exercises held in the Eastern Province in 2018, Pakistan had the distinction of participating through its army, air force and naval contingents. This international exercise was huge in the sense it was attended by more than 20 countries.

Other spheres of bilateral activity have not lagged behind. Bilateral trade hovers around $3 billion per annum and there is a wide scope to increase the volume. Pakistan is one of the leading nations in sending Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. International Islamic University in Islamabad, Faisel Mosque and the third largest Pakistani city of Faisalabad are living examples of these close ties, which have remained robust irrespective of changes in leadership. In Pakistan, there is a consensus among all political parties to have close ties, based on mutual trust, with Saudi Arabia. An international survey, conducted a couple of years ago, showed that the highest popularity rating enjoyed by the kingdom was in Pakistan. That depicted an across the board popular support for this special relationship in Pakistan and the fact that our hearts beat in unison. No wonder, Prime Minister Imran Khan’s maiden visit abroad, after assumption of power in 2018, was to Riyadh.

That should not mean that we rest on our past laurels. We should think of ways and means to keep this special bond healthy and innovative. Pakistan looks at Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman’s Vision 2030 with great hopes for a technological leap forward. An uncertain global environment makes regular consultations essential. Pakistani location and its maritime prowess would always pull the two nations closer. With the introduction of hybrid wars, drones, cyber-attacks and terrorism through proxies, closer cooperation between the two brotherly countries has become a necessity.

Pakistan offers broad opportunities for Saudi investments in the petrochemical industry, livestock, and agriculture. Cultural cooperation can be boosted through exchange of TV serials and films. There should be more student exchange programs. Northern areas of Pakistan can become an attractive destination for family tourism of Saudi citizens. China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will open a shorter route for energy exports to a major importer. I foresee Pakistani-Saudi relations blossoming even more in future.

- Javed Hafeez is a former Pakistani diplomat with much experience of the Middle East. He writes weekly columns in Pakistani and Gulf newspapers and appears regularly on satellite TV channels as a defense and political analyst.

Twitter: @hafiz_javed