President Mamnoon Hussein of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan received at his presidential office in Islamabad today visiting Imam of Makkah-based Grand Holy Mosque Dr. Saleh bin Mohammed Al Taleb. At the outset of the meeting, President Hussein welcomed the Imam of the grand mosque and the accompanying delegation. He praised the efforts being exerted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, led by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulasziz, the Crown Prince, Vice President of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Defense, much taking care of the two holy mosques, and the distinguished services being rendered to their pilgrims and Umrah performers every year as well as the positive role being played by the Kingdom in support of regional security and stability and international issues of common interest to the Islamic world. The government and people of Pakistan highly value their relation with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the president said, noting that the two countries share cordial and friendly ties based on the shared religion, fraternity, history, and cultural values, citing the conformity of their view points on most important issues, particularly at the regional and international platforms in addition to political and economic issues. He paid tribute to the support lent by the Kingdom to Pakistan and its people during tough times and difficult circumstances, noting that the people of Pakistan value the humanitarian assistance they receive from the Kingdom during natural disasters. President Hussein called on Ulema in both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to exert more efforts to portrait better profile of Islam abroad and eradicate the ugly picture and reputation attributed to Islam, adding that the Islamic nation should stand united to conquer terrorism and extremist thought and should draft a comprehensive strategy to protect the Islamic countries harmed by wars and terror. He wished the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince continuous health and happiness and the people of the Kingdom steady progress and prosperity. For his part, Al Taleb thanked the president for his good feelings towards the leadership and people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and for warm welcome and generous hospitality. The meeting was attended by Pakistan's minister of religious affairs Sirdar Mohammed Yousef, minister of transport Hafez Abdulkareem Bakhsh, Saudi ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki and chairman of Ahl Al-Hadeeth (followers of Mohammed) Sajed Mir, who is also member of Pakistan's senate.
