The government wishes to enhance economic and business ties with the kingdom and Pakistan is ready to grant privileges to businessmen, added Sharif. He also expressed the desire that the two countries need to have a 'strategic partnership' to further broaden and deepen bilateral relations. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia need to enhance bilateral trade to reflect the strong fraternal bonds that exist between the two countries through regular meetings between Commerce Ministers to explore ways towards enhancing bilateral trade.
Sharif said that Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have always stood by each other in testing times and the people of Pakistan deeply value their relations with the kingdom. The two sides discussed issues of bilateral and regional importance and the Prime Minister stated that there is a need to start a new era of 'strategic relationship' to further broaden and deepen the existing cordial bilateral relations.
The two sides also held discussions on Afghan situation. Prime Minister re-affirmed that Pakistan remains committed to facilitating an Afghan-led and a Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation process, adding that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan is in Pakistan's best interest.
Nawaz said that Pakistan supports all efforts aimed at strengthening unity among the Islamic countries and thanked the Saudi government for extending help to Pakistani workers affected by the recent labour laws enacted by the kingdom. He said, the presence of a large Pakistani community in Saudi Arabia is a 'human bridge' between the two brotherly countries who would continue to play a vital role in the development of the Saudi kingdom and added that the skilled manpower can meet the future human resource needs of Saudi Arabia. Nawaz also conveyed, on his own behalf, as well as on behalf of the people of Pakistan, prayers and good wishes for the good health and long life of King Abdullah.
The Saudi side was represented by Khalid bin Ibrahim Al-Jindah, Secretary, Ministry of Economics and Culture, Yousaf bin Tarrad Al-Sadoon DG office of Prince, Osama Ahmad Naqil, Director Information department and Dr Abdul Aziz Al-Ghadeer, Ambassador of KSA to Pakistan. Ishaq Dar, Minister for Finance, Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan Minister for Interior, Sartaj Aziz Advisor to Prime Minister on National Security and Tariq Fatami Special Advisor to PM on Foreign Affairs comprised the Pakistani side during the meeting between the Prime Minister and the Saudi Foreign Minister.