ISLAMABAD, Oct 19: President Gen Pervez Musharraf on Sunday said Saudi Arabia and Pakistan were two strong pillars of the Ummah who shared responsibility of promoting greater understanding between religions and civilizations.

“Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are like two strong pillars on which the edifice of the Ummah rests,” the president declared at the civic reception held in honour of Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz.

Addressing the function at the Convention Centre, Gen Musharraf said it was for the two countries to dispel prejudice and “give a vision based on Islam’s eternal values and the dynamic precepts of Ijma, Ijtihad and Amr bil Maroof.”

He said both countries had similarity of views on problems confronting the Ummah. Stressing the need for unity on one platform, he said: “(We should) examine our own weaknesses and failure, and then come out with a modus vivendi, which can guide us away from the morass which our peoples find themselves in.”

Referring to the Crown Prince as a front-ranking leader of the Ummah, the president said: “His proverbial wisdom and sagacity have served the Kingdom and its people in good stead, and have contributed to its transformation into a modern state, with strong institutions and traditions.”

Gen Musharraf ascribed the progress and economic development in Saudi Arabia to the leadership provided by Khadim Al-Harmain Al-Sharifain King Fahd bin Abdul Aziz, and the Crown Prince.

He acknowledged the contribution of the Saudi leadership to peace, security and stability in the Gulf, the Middle East and the Muslim world.

The president said that people and government of Pakistan had deepest appreciation and reverence for Saudi Arabia’s policies. “These policies are based on precepts of peace, justice and tolerance which are required more than ever before to project Islam in its truly noble spirit.”

Describing Pakistan’s relationship with Saudi Arabia as abiding, he said it was based on common values of their faith and heritage.

“We share our thoughts and perceptions, and consult closely with each other, on almost all issues of concern to our countries,” he maintained.

President Musharraf’s ended his speech with the emphatic slogan: “Long live Pakistan-Saudi Arabia friendship.”