The newly appointed Saudi Ambassador Dr. Rajeh bin Tami Albugami called on Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq in Islamabad today.

Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq congratulated Dr. Rajeh bin Tami Albugami on his appointment as Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan and expressed the hope that his tenure would further strengthen bilateral relations and open new avenues for cooperation between the two brotherly countries.

The Speaker has said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are like "one soul in two bodies," with their relations rooted in the enduring bonds of shared religion, brotherhood, affection, mutual trust and respect. He described Saudi Arabia as a trusted friend and sincere brotherly country.

The Speaker said Pakistan attaches immense importance to its historic and strategic ties with Saudi Arabia. He reaffirmed that the two countries have stood by each other through difficult times and will continue to work together to promote mutual cooperation, solidarity and shared interests.

Reaffirming Pakistan's unwavering support for the security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said the security of Saudi Arabia is inseparable from Pakistan's own security. He strongly condemned the Houthi militia's attacks on Saudi Arabia and categorically rejected any aggression against the Kingdom's sovereignty and territorial integrity. He emphasised that lasting peace and stability in the region require all countries to respect one another's sovereignty and prioritise dialogue, diplomacy and mutual cooperation for the peaceful resolution of disputes.

Emphasising the need to expand parliamentary engagement between the two countries, Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said parliamentary diplomacy can play a vital role in giving a new dimension to Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations. He noted that exchanges of parliamentary delegations, joint meetings and institutional linkages would enable legislators from both countries to benefit from each other's experiences and explore new avenues of cooperation.

The Speaker reiterated Pakistan's commitment to working alongside Saudi Arabia to promote sustainable peace, stability and development in the region.

Saudi Ambassador Dr. Rajeh bin Tami Albugami thanked Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq for his warm welcome and goodwill. He said Saudi Arabia attaches great importance to its fraternal relations with Pakistan, adding that the close ties between the two countries reflected mutual trust, shared values and longstanding friendship.

The Saudi Ambassador observed that the strong brotherly relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are of considerable importance for regional peace and stability.

He appreciated Pakistan's role in promoting peace in the region.