Islamabad (TDI): In a ceremony celebrating the 95th National Day of Saudi Arab, Pakistan’s Chairman Senate, Yousaf Raza Gilani, was invited as the chief guest.
Alongside the Saudi ambassador in Pakistan, Gilani led the ceremony, joined in cake-cutting, and also addressed the gathering.
In his address, Chairman Senate extended warm felicitations on behalf of the Senate, Parliament, and the people of Pakistan to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the people of Saudi Arabia.
He paid tribute to the visionary leadership of King Abdulaziz Al Saud, whose unifying efforts laid the foundation for modern Saudi Arabia.
He hailed the Kingdom as a “beacon of stability, faith, and progress in the Islamic world,” and underscored the spiritual and cultural bonds that unite Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
“The relationship between our two nations is not only time-tested but deeply rooted in shared faith, mutual respect, and common aspirations,” said Gilani. “Every Pakistani feels a personal connection with the land of the Haramain Sharifain.”
Recalling the historic 1974 Islamic Summit in Lahore, Chairman Gilani emphasized the enduring legacy of Muslim unity that continues to shape bilateral ties.
He welcomed the recent signing of the Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, describing it as a landmark achievement.
Gilani noted that the agreement also sends a strong message of unity to the broader Muslim world in the face of emerging challenges, including extremism and Islamophobia.
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Sharing personal reflections, he recalled his official visits to the Kingdom as Prime Minister in 2008 and 2011, where key foundations for enhanced cooperation were laid.
On the economic front, Chairman Gilani praised the growing partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, particularly in the areas of energy security, infrastructure, and human development.
He welcomed Saudi investment initiatives under Vision 2030, expressing optimism about a “new and promising phase” in bilateral economic collaboration.
He also lauded the Pakistani diaspora in Saudi Arabia, calling them a “living bridge of friendship,” and appreciated the role of Saudi Ambassador Nawaf Bin Saeed Al-Malkiy in deepening ties across multiple sectors.
Concluding his address, Chairman Gilani reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to expanding cooperation in defense, economy, culture, and people-to-people ties.
“As we rejoice on Saudi Arabia’s National Day, let us celebrate the values of faith, trust, and brotherhood that bind us. Long live Pakistan–Saudi Arabia friendship,” he said.
Sohail Majeed
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
