ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Monday called for taking advantage of the opportunities available in the two countries for expanding and improving investment, trade, energy, infrastructure development, agriculture and exchange of government's delegations for mutual benefit.

A joint statement issued at the conclusion of official visit of Saudi Crown Prince Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Deputy Premier and Minister of Defence, said that both sides expressed a keen desire to further strengthen cooperation in various fields for the promotion of the causes of the Muslim Ummah as well as international peace and stability.

The two sides decided to continue to work on further fortifying existing political relations between the two countries through regular holding of bilateral consultations between their foreign ministries.

They also agreed on the need to enhance bilateral cooperation in the field of defence.

Both sides acknowledged importance of completing necessary measures for signing of the agreements and MoUs (memorandums of understanding) in different fields, including Islamic affairs and endowments, labour, manpower, sports and an agreement to encourage and protect mutual investment in the two countries.

The statement said that the warm reception and cordial welcome accorded to the crown prince and his accompanying delegation by President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and senior officials, embodied the bonds of strong fraternal ties binding the two countries.

During the visit, the Saudi prince held talks with the president, the premier and other high level officials.

These meetings were held in very cordial atmosphere signifying the bonds characterized by deep mutual understanding and cooperation for the mutual benefit of the two brotherly countries and their peoples.

The two sides reiterated the need for finding of a quick solution of the existing conflict in Syria according to general resolution in order to restore peace and security in the country and prevent bloodshed of the Syrian people. In this regard, both sides called for the following:

-Importance of immediate withdrawal of all foreign armed forces and elements from Syrian territory.

-Lifting siege of the Syrian towns and villages and stopping aerial and artillery bombardment.

-The setting up of safe corridors and regions to deliver food and humanitarian aid to besieged Syrian citizens, under international supervision.

-The formation of transitional governing body with full executive powers enabling it to take charge of the affairs of the country.

On the Palestinian issue, the two sides reaffirmed their consistent stand to support the Palestinian right to arrive at a just solution, which leads to the establishment of a Palestinian state with al-Quds as its capital.

The two sides reiterated the need for stopping Israeli practices including continuation of building settlements and putting impediments to peace efforts.

The two sides emphasized that the peace efforts should be based on Arab peace initiatives and the relevant UN resolutions.

The two contries reiterated their commitment to fight extremism and terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and continue to cooperate in the field of exchange of security related information.

They also emphasized the importance of security cooperation to combat the crimes of drug trafficking and money laundering.

The Saudi side expressed hope for reaching peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions so that it contributes to the achievement of a permanent peace and stability in the region.

The Saudi side welcomed the positive developments in India-Pakistan relations, which would reflect positively in the interest of the two neighbouring countries and stability in the South Asian region.

About Afghanistan, the two sides expressed their support for Afghan reconciliation by including all sides and components of the Afghan society to arrive at restoration of peace and stability.

They underlined support for the political process in Afghanistan through holding of the elections scheduled for April 2014.

Saudi Crown Prince Salman thanked the government and people of Pakistan for the warm reception and hospitality extended to him and the accompanying delegation.