Relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are people-centric and based on deep love and respect, said Pakistan Ambassador Mohammed Naeem Khan at a reception here late Thursday night aboard Pakistan Navy ship PNS Zulfiqar that is on a goodwill visit to the Kingdom along with PNS SV BEHR PAIMA and PNS/Sub Marine HAMZA. He said that Saudi-Pakistani relations are of strategic nature and such goodwill visits of naval ships from friendly countries further strengthen their bonds. He also highlighted the strategic importance of relations between Pakistan and Royal Saudi Navy. Ambassador Khan welcomed officers and JCOs of Pakistan Navy to Saudi Arabia and said that relations between two brotherly countries are excellent at all levels. Referring to the meeting of Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani with King Abdullah, Custodian of Two Holy Mosques, and his own meeting with Defense Minister Prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz, Ambassador Naeem said that Saudi leadership considers Pakistan and Saudi Arabia as one country. Formation Commander Commodore Sohail Abid welcomed the guests on board and informed about the goodwill mission and highlighted the state of the art Combat Management System, torpedoes and missile in PN Zulfiqar and oceanographic technologies available at PNS SV Behr Paima. He informed that PNS Zulfiqar can also operate an organic helicopter. The ship took part in various deployments and exercises in the country and abroad. He also informed that on way back both Pakistan Navy and Saudi Royal Navy will also have joint exercise. Earlier, captain of PNS Zulfiquar Rub Nawaz briefed journalists on the mission of the Pak navy fleet in the Kingdom. “Saudi Arabia and Pakistan enjoy strong bilateral ties and are working together in various fields of mutual interests. Both navies in particular have a history of mutual cooperation,” said Capt. Nawaz. Commander of Saudi Royal Navy Rear Admiral Khalid Hammadan, Consul General Abdul Salik Khan, Consuls General of different countries, diplomats, dignitaries, media persons, officers of Saudi Navy and a large number of community members were also present on the occasion. Ambassador Khan, Rear Admiral Saudi Royal Navy Rear Admiral Khalid Hammadan and Formation Commander Commodore Sohail Abid cut a cake to celebrate the long-lasting friendship of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. __
