ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday telephoned Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman and expressed his gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s strong political and economic support for Pakistan.

PM Khan in his conversation with the Saudi prince offered his sincere condolences on the demise of his uncle Prince Bandar bin Abdul Aziz al Saud.

According to the Prime Minister Office, Mr Khan while recalling the crown prince’s last visit to Pakistan conveyed thanks for the kingdom’s strong political and economic support for Pakistan.

The two leaders affirmed the closeness of Pak-Saudi fraternal ties and reiterated their shared resolve to forge a stronger partnership covering all aspects of bilateral relations.

They also agreed to maintain close consultations on all issues of mutual interest.

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The crown prince invited the prime minister to visit Saudi Arabia on his way to or back from New York where he would go to attend the UN General Assembly session.

During his visit to Islamabad in February, the Saudi crown prince had expressed optimism about the economic future of Pakistan, saying his country had been waiting for a leadership like that of Imran Khan to partner with Islamabad in various areas.

Addressing a reception dinner at PMH, the crown prince — known as MBS for short — had said Pakistan is a “dear country” to all Saudis and that the two countries “have walked together in tough and good times”.

He said Pakistan today had a great future in store “with a great leadership”, and noted that the country’s GDP grew by 5 per cent in 2018. “We believe that Pakistan is going to be a very, very important country in the coming future and we want to be sure we are part of that,” the crown prince had said.

“This is my first trip [to the] east since I became the crown prince and the first country [that I have visited] is Pakistan,” the Saudi royal had said.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2019