The Pakistani Embassy in Riyadh marked the 74th National Day of Pakistan Sunday at the Al-Tuwaiq Palace in the Diplomatic Quarter (DQ) with simplicity, gaiety and zest.

The chief guest, Prince Turki bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, deputy governor of Riyadh and Ambassador Muhammad Naeem Khan, cut a cake on the occasion.

The event was attended by prominent dignitaries, Azzam bin Abdul Karim, Saudi Chief of Protocol and Gen. Hussain bin Abdullah Al-Qubail, Saudi Chief of General Staff, as guests of honor.

“The National Day is very important for Pakistanis around the world because it marks the historic resolution for a separate homeland which was passed on Mar. 23, 1940 and put Pakistan on the world map,” said Muhammad Naeem Khan, ambassador of Pakistan.

He added that the relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were excellent and had picked momentum in the last few years. “We are working to strengthen the bilateral ties for economic development,” he said.

Khan outlined the recent tours of Saudi dignitaries to Pakistan including Crown Prince Salman and Prince Saud Al-Faisalto discuss the infrastructure development, energy sector and other economic fields.

He said that both countries agreed to the new developments and cooperation in the economic, trade, political, education and tourism sectors.

“We are going to have a joint economic mission meeting with the Pakistani minister of commerce when he arrives in the Kingdom in mid-April in which we will discuss cooperation in all areas of interest,” Khan said.

“The Saudi minister for Tourism and Antiquities Prince Sultan bin Salman’s visit to Pakistan was very successful,” he said adding that both countries discussed ways to enhance bilateral tourism and cultural cooperation and matters of mutual interest.

Khan expressed his appreciation for the Pakistani community in the Kingdom. “Pakistanis are very hard-working and are contributing greatly to the development of Saudi Arabia. I urge my people to keep up the good work and continue to contribute to this important relationship.”

Speaking to Arab News, US deputy chief of mission Timothy A. Lenderking highly praised the National Day of Pakistan and congratulated the people of Pakistan on their freedom and separate homeland.

“We have a very important relationship with Pakistan and we are working for the development of the people of Pakistan. I spent a lot of time in Pakistan myself and have great affection for Pakistan and the Pakistani people,” he said.

He said that the US aid mission is very active in Pakistan and “We look forward to working together more in education, health, commercial ties and other fields. We also welcome Pakistani students to study in the US for their future development.”

The event included a display of pictures depicting high level visits from Saudi Arabia and Pakistan starting from the period of King Abdul Aziz to King Abdullah. The national anthems of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan were played during the ceremony.