ISLAMABAD, Sept 23: Saudi Arabia is a symbol of Islamic solidarity and source of strength for the Muslim world, said the petroleum minister, Chaudhry Nouraiz Shakoor, while speaking at a reception hosted by the Saudi ambassador, Ali S. Awadh Asseri, to commemorate his country’s national day here on Tuesday.

The minister said Saudi Arabia had been playing a significant and unparallel role in furthering Muslim brotherhood throughout the world. It has contributed generously to the cause of expediting the pace of development and progress in the Muslim world, he added.

Mr Shakoor said the historic and fraternal relations between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan were based on the common values of religion and culture.

“We share the same perception about the progressive role that the Muslim world has played through the centuries for ushering in an era of peace and brotherhood among all nations of the world, he said.

he felicitated the government and the people of Saudi Arabia on this auspicious occasion. The minister prayed for their continuing progress and prosperity and for further cementing of the existing cordial and brotherly relations between our two countries.

He hoped that relations between the two countries in all spheres of life would continue to grow and expand with the passage of time for the mutual advantage.

The reception was also attended by the senior minister Rao Sikander Iqbal, PML-Q leaders Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, Salim Saifullah, Anwar Saifullah, Akram Zaki, MMA leaders Qazi Hussain Ahmad, Shah Ahmad Noorani, Samiul Haque, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Liaquat Baluch, Allama Sajid Naqvi, Hafiz Hussain Ahmad, PPP leaders Makhdoom Amin Famin, Anwar Baig, Chairman Chiefs of Joint Staff Committee, Gen Aziz and Vice Chief of Army Staff Gen Yousaf.