RIYADH, Dec 31: Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali called on King Fahd bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud and the Deputy Premier and Head of National Guard, Prince Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz.

The Crown Prince hosted a luncheon in honour of the prime minister which was attended by many senior members of the Royal family especially the cabinet members and services chiefs.

The prime minister conveyed his best wishes to His Majesty the King on his own behalf and on behalf of Gen Pervez Musharraf and the people of Pakistan and reiterated Pakistan’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia.

King Fahd deeply appreciated the gesture of Prime Minister Jamali for paying a visit to Saudi Arabia and for the expression of support. The King stated that Saudi Arabia would always remain Pakistan’s close and fraternal friend.

In his meeting with Crown Prince the prime minister held in- depth discussion on bilateral matters, the prevailing situation in the Middle East, Iraq and Afghanistan and matters related to the OIC.

He also briefed him on Pakistan’s relations with India and need for the early resolution of the core issue of Kashmir and emphasized that a dialogue between India and Pakistan was essential towards its end.

The Crown Prince thanked the Prime Minister for his visit and the useful discussion and acknowledged that friendship between Pakistan and Saud Arabia was exemplary and time-tested. He held out an assurance that Saudi Arabia would always stand by Pakistan.

The prime minister also separately received Prince Khalid bin Sultan, Deputy Minister for Defence, Dr Ibrahim Abdul Aziz Abdullah Al-Assaf, Minister of Finance and National Economy, and Engineer Ali bin Ibrahim Al-Noaimi, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources.

The prime minister also addressed Pakistani community members in Riyadh and Informed them about his government policies and determination of the new government to address the needs of the Pakistani community both within and outside Pakistan.—APP