Pakistani PM, Saudi King Discuss Regional, Int'l Situation

Islamabad, July 18, IRNA -- Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has called on King of Saudi Arabia Abdullahbin Abdul Aziz in Jeddah and discussed bilateral relations, situation in the region and international issues. The Prime Minister briefed the King Abdullah about measures being taken by Pakistan for the peace, progress and stability in the region and especially Pakistan's role in finding peaceful settlement of Afghan issue in accordance with the aspirations of Afghan people. The meeting lasted for more than the scheduled time, a message received here said. The Prime Minister renewed his invitation to the Crown Prince Salman bin Abdul Aziz to Pakistan and he accepted the invitation and said that the date will be finalized mutually. The King asked the details on Pak-India relations, and the Prime Minister said these relations are improving with the continuation of dialogue process between the two countries. Appreciating the improvement in Pak-India relations and expressing satisfaction on these ties, King Abdullah said that these improved relations will be beneficial for the people of two countries. The Prime Minister apprised the King about the efforts of Pakistani government to improveits relations with its neighbours. Afghan situation came under discussion during the meeting between King Abdullah and Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf. The Prime Minister informed King Abdullah that he will visit Afghanistan on 19th of this month and meet with Afghan President Hamid Karzai to further improve Pak-Afghan relations and ensue peace, stability and security in the region. The Prime Minister thanked King Abdullah and the Saudi government for extending help to Pakistan in the need of hour especially during the last floods and earthquakes. The King said, 'We are not taking any credit for this help and assistance, it was our duty to help brothers and sisters in Pakistan in case of any natural calamity.' During the meeting, Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf especially mentioned the road map for building enhanced strategic dialogue between the two countries. The Prime Minister also apprised the progress in war against terror, situation in the tribal regions, and sought the help and assistance from King Abdullah to resolve the energy crisis in Pakistan. King Abdullah told the Prime Minister that Saudi Arabia will extend its full cooperation and assistance to resolve energy crisis and said concerned minister will visit Pakistan in this regard. The Prime Minister while discussing the question of food security in Pakistan asked the Saudi investors to invest in Pakistan in agriculture sector./end