ISLAMABAD, Feb 8: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Wednesday said that King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz’s recent visit to the country had further strengthened the “strong, strategic partnership” between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

Talking to Governor of Tabuk Prince Fahad Bin Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz, who called on him here at the Prime Minister’s House on Wednesday, the prime minister said the visit had enhanced prospects of cooperation in “economic fields as well as in education, scientific and technological cooperation”.

Mr Aziz said the two countries enjoyed broad-based and deep rooted relations in every field, including diplomatic, cultural, political and economic fields.

A host of issues relating to further expansion of bilateral ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, challenges facing the Ummah, situation in the region and Pakistan’s quest for regional peace, stability and dispute resolution came up for discussion.

Mr Aziz thanked Prince Fahad for setting up a hospital at Dalbandin and said the facility would serve as a symbol of partnership between the two countries.

The Saudi prince thanked the government and people of Pakistan for the warm welcome accorded to the Saudi monarch and the outpouring of feelings and respect expressed during his visit. “This was a manifestation of the deep and strong relationship that existed between the two countries,” he said.

Price Fahad appreciated the services being rendered by Pakistani workers in Saudi Arabia and commended them for their competence, professionalism and dedication.

He said: “I consider myself a Pakistani as a strong bond of love and friendship exists between our two countries”. Saudi Ambassador Awadh Asseri was present on the occasion.