Prime Minister of Pakistan Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani is on an official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. During his three-day visit the Pakistani prime minister will meet with King Abdullah, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and discuss matters relating to global peace, war against terrorism and extremism and regional political situation as well as economic cooperation between the two countries. The prime minister's visit which comes two weeks after the visit of Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari is considered very important by political analysts and pundits. Pakistan regards its unique relations with Saudi Arabia beyond mundane considerations and is proud to be a country attached with Saudi Arabia which many Pakistani expatriates regard to be their own home. Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia are not only proud but also feel blessed to contribute to the progress and prosperity of the Kingdom. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy excellent bilateral relations. Close geographical proximity, historic trade ties, religious affinity and the complimentary nature of economic needs have created a strong bondage of trust between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. In addition, there is a convergence of views and interests between the two countries on most of the regional and international issues. Pakistan maintains close military ties with Kingdom through exchange of expertise, extensive support and training for the defense forces of Saudi Arabia. Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari visited the Kingdom last month and his meeting with Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques on July 20 reflects the depth of bilateral relations between the two countries. During the last few years, the presidents and prime ministers of Pakistan have visited Saudi Arabia on a number of occasions. Successive Saudi leadership has also visited Pakistan from time to time. During his first tour to Asia, Custodian of Two Holy Mosques included Pakistan as his final destination. During that visit, five agreements encompassing political, economic, educational and scientific–cum-technical cooperation were inked by Pakistan and Saudi officials in the presence of heads of state of the two countries. These agreements are bound to enhance bilateral ties in related fields. The two sides also issued a joint statement outlining points of convergence in their political views besides pinpointing activities they wanted to jointly undertake in future. Similarly, a number of Saudi dignitaries including ministers and governors have visited Pakistan during the last few years. There was an exchange of academics also. A delegation of 17 vice chancellors from different universities of Pakistan visited Saudi Arabia and both the countries agreed to foster collaboration in the field of education and research. Saudi Arabia has always supported Pakistan in international forums. On the Kashmir issue, Saudi Arabia has been more supportive of Pakistan than any other country in the world. The Saudi news media, Ulema, NGOs like Rabita and WAMY and the public in general have also been supporting Pakistan on this issue. Similar support was extended in the OIC Ministerial and Summit meetings as well. In the commercial and trade sector, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia maintain good relations and is gaining strength with the passage of time. The Kingdom is among the top 20 major export destinations of Pakistan. Pakistan-Saudi annual bilateral trade is above $3.3 billion. Major items of exports from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia include, raw cotton, cotton yarn, cotton cloth, readymade garments, knitwear (hosiery), made-ups, bed linen, towels, tents and canvas, art silk and synthetic textiles, leather garments, furniture, carpets and rugs, footwear, sports and surgical goods, rice, fish, fruits, vegetables, spices, biscuits, jams and juices etc. Pakistan imports major requirements of petroleum from Saudi Arabia. Other items of import from the Kingdom, include petrochemicals, organic chemical products, plastic and plastic products, fertilizers, steel products, electrical equipment and materials, raw skins, tanned leather, boilers and heavy equipment, copper and copper products, aluminum and aluminum products, chemicals (inorganic), components, precious metals, steel castings, tractors and other floor coverings of man-made fibers, various chemical products, rubber and rubber products, paper and hardboard etc. Notwithstanding the visible growth in exports from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia, there exists wider bilateral trade imbalance. The major cause of overwhelming imbalance in trade transaction is due to bulk import of petroleum by Pakistan from Saudi Arabia. Pakistan has received more aid from Saudi Arabia than any country outside the Arab world since the 1960s. Official aid is matched by large investments from Saudi princes and from religious institutions. Much of the Pakistani madrassa educational system, for instance, is Saudi-funded by private donors. Saudi Arabia was the single largest donor to relief efforts with aid in excess of $573 million. In the aftermath of the 2010 Pakistan floods, Saudi Arabia became the first and the largest donor for the flood victims. According to Pakistan's National Disaster Management Authority, the oil-rich country gave $105m in aid, the majority in the form of relief goods. The Saudi public has separately raised $19 million.Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques ordered a nationwide fundraising campaign that collected more than SR400 million. The Saudi military and air-force set up a back-to-back air bridge between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, sending 30 large cargo planes carrying hundreds of tons of relief goods. The Saudi government also established field hospitals run by Saudi staff and doctors. The aid for flood victims still continues. The Pakistani nation has deep respect for people of Saudi Arabia. This relation is centuries-old, and is beyond materialistic considerations. Every Pakistani wants to see the Kingdom strong and stable. They see the strength and stability of the Kingdom as their own strength and stability. This aspiration has roots in history and is the matter of faith. Long Live the King and the Kingdom. __
