ISLAMABAD, April 22: Saudi Prince Bandar Bin Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud expressed on Friday warm sentiments of friendship between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan and reiterated his desire to strengthen ties in all areas of mutual interest. In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, the prince said: “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia deeply values its close, friendly and special relations with Pakistan.”

Prince Bandar said that these relations were based on common bonds of faith, culture and traditions, mutual trust, confidence and popular sentiments of goodwill of the people of two countries.

A Foreign Office statement said that the government and the people of Pakistan held the leadership of Saudi Arabia, especially King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz, in high esteem and was deeply committed to strengthening exemplary ties between the two countries.—APP