ISLAMABAD, May 30: Saudi Arabia said on Friday it needed Pakistan’s support to fight terrorism and that the matter could be discussed during President General Pervez Musharraf’s visit to the kingdom, possibly early next month.
Speaking at a news conference, Saudi ambassador Ali Awadh Asseri said he was sure Saudi Arabia would prevail in its fight against terrorists without letting them to hide anywhere. “We shall seek them, we shall hunt them and punish them.”
“But for that we need the support and prayers of all our friends throughout the world, particularly our Muslim brothers in Pakistan,” he said.
Mr Asseri said his country was not planning to impose any restrictions on Pakistani visitors as part of security precautions after deadly attacks in Riyadh that authorities blamed on Al Qaeda.
He said Saudi Arabia would continue charitable activities in Pakistan through non-governmental organizations but would reform the system to ensure that the charity reached the needy and was not abused, as had been widely complained after the Sept 11, 2001 attacks on the United States.
The ambassador voiced Saudi gratefulness for the expressions of solidarity by the Pakistani government, politicians and people for the kingdom after the May 12 Riyadh suicide bombing that killed 34 people.
“We are really overwhelmed by the warmth and sincerity of these messages,” he said, adding Prime Minister Zafarullah Khan Jamali had also offered “all help and assistance to enable Saudi Arabia tide over this difficult time”.
“Such are the moments when true friendships stand out,” Mr Asseri said. “I am proud to state that the friendship between our two governments and our two peoples has always stood the test of time by emerging stronger than ever before. Time has proved it again.”
Later, the ambassador told Dawn that cooperation against terrorism and ways to expand economic cooperation could be discussed during President Musharraf’s visit, though there was no fixed agenda for his talks with the Saudi leadership.
He said no dates had been set for the visit, which, according to him, could take place after Crown Prince Abdullah’s return from a foreign tour next week.
Asked at his news conference if Saudi Arabia planned travel restrictions on those visiting his country for Haj, Umra or work, he said: “We do not plan any such thing. That’s open, we will not stop (them).”
He further said there would be no restrictions on Pakistanis seeking Saudi visas.
Mr Asseri said Saudi Arabia was getting technical help from the US to investigate the Riyadh attacks, such as in forensic tests, but the interrogation of suspects was done by Saudis alone. He said he was sure the Riyadh bombing was the work of Al Qaeda.
He said there should be greater Saudi-Pakistan economic cooperation to match the level of fraternal ties between the two countries.
He, however, suggested there should be an effective governing law to protect the interests of both sides. He then referred to complaints by some Saudi traders about the quality of some rice consignments and an investment in a private power project in Lahore.—APP
