ISLAMABAD, Sept 23: Saudi ambassador Ali Awadh Asseri presented a $138,000 cheque to Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz here on Friday for launching a modern drug rehabilitation centre in Islamabad. Later, the envoy to Pakistan told Dawn: “This contribution is just a small gesture to show solidarity with Pakistan on the occasion of our National Day.”

He underlined the special relations between the two brotherly countries enjoyed, saying that they were equally committed and determined to fighting the menace of drugs as they were to combating terrorism.

He said that during his 45 minute meeting with the prime minister, they exchanged views on the latest regional and international developments.

“We also talked about expanding bilateral relations in the economic and cultural spheres for the benefit of the peoples of the two countries,” he added.

A statement issued by the Foreign Office after the meeting said: “The prime minister thanked the ambassador for this generous gesture.”