Saudi Arabia assures full support to Pakistan: Gilani

Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani at the end of his three day visit to Saudi Arabia told the accompanying media team that there was a strong desire in the Saudi leadership for further building on their existing ties, with a special focus on cooperation in trade and energy sectors. Gilani, who met King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz in Jeddah, said Saudi Arabia has also assured Pakistan of getting a positive response from the Gulf Cooperation Council to sign a Free Trade Agreement with Pakistan. He said a major breakthrough has been achieved in the area of food and agriculture and said a Saudi delegation will visit Pakistan next month to enter a meaningful dialogue for extended cooperation in modern farming, livestock and dairy development. Gilani said the two countries also agreed to continue cooperation in energy and petroleum sectors on short and long term basis. He said there have been meetings between the Pakistani ministers for petroleum, agriculture and commerce with their Saudi counterparts and the co-chairperson of Pakistan People Party Asif Ali Zardari has extended his stay in the kingdom to follow up on the decisions taken at the meeting.