26 July 2004	Monday	08 Jamadi-us-Saani 1425

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JEDDAH, July 25: Prime Minister Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain met Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz on Sunday as Pakistan and Saudi Arabia pledged to continue their co-operation in the fight against terrorism.

During their meeting at the Crown Palace, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment against terrorism and said their countries would continue to work closely to fight out the menace.

Even if the war continues for 30 years, we would fight till it (terrorism) is completely eliminated, the two leaders said. They said terrorism has no religion and both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had been the victim of terrorism and that it should be condemned in all its form and manifestation, the officials said after the meeting.

Prince Abdullah said that Islam is being targeted and wrongly perceived as a religion of extremism. He said all measures would be taken to provide protection to the people against terrorism.

Both the leaders also discussed measures to further improve the brotherly ties between the two countries. Besides discussing trade and investment, they also took into account the situation in Afghanistan.

The two leaders exchanged views on matters of bilateral interest and the challenges confronting the Muslim Ummah, Pakistan's ambassador to Saudi Arabia Admiral (retd) Abdul Aziz Mirza told the media.

In another meeting between Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and the Saudi Minister for Interior Prince Naif bin Abdul Aziz here, both sides reiterated their resolve against the war on terrorism and agreed to further strengthen their co-operation in combating the menace.

KING FAHD: Earlier on Saturday Chaudhry Shujaat called on Khadmain Harmain Shareefain King Fahd bin Abdul Aziz and lauded his great services for Islam and the Muslim Ummah. The PM paid a courtesy call on the King at his palace and conveyed best regards of President Gen Pervez Musharraf for the health and long life of King Fahd. -APP