RIYADH, April 3: The negotiations for the sale of Super Mushak aircraft to Saudi Arabia are in an advanced stage and will be finalized soon, according to Pakistan Ambassador Admiral (retd) Abdul Aziz Mirza.

The Super Mushak aircraft, built by the Aeronautical Complex in Kamra, have also been sold to a few other friendly countries in the region.

In an interview with Dawn, the ambassador said a technical team from Pakistan is also expected to visit Saudi Arabia shortly to discuss and finalize a repair, maintenance and upgradation contract for military vehicles and equipments, defining the new dimension of relationship between the two countries. Generally, Western countries have been getting upgradation and maintenance contracts for military vehicles.

This would be the first time, once the deal is finalized, that Pakistan would assume such a responsibility, Admiral Mirza, who until recently was the chief of the Pakistan Navy, added.

He also disclosed that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were involved in “intensive consultations at all levels” before the war on Iraq.

Admiral Mirza further said that Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, the chief of Kingdom Holdings is expected to visit Pakistan as soon as the Iraqi crisis was over. Prince Al-Waleed is one of the most prominent Saudi investors. Some people from his group have already visited Pakistan and met Pakistani officials to evaluate prospects and possibilities.