ISLAMABAD, Sept 8: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said on Wednesday that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia would widen interaction on Islamic causes, cooperate in fighting extremism and promote trade and investment.

Talking to newsmen at Chaklala air base on his return from Saudi Arabia, he said he held useful discussions with the Saudi leaders, including King Fahd, Crown Prince, Prince Abdullah and Minister of Defence Prince Sultan, which covered cooperation in fighting the scourge of terrorism and enhancing ties in all fields.

"I foresee a wider Pakistan-Saudi interaction in the service of Islamic causes, in fighting extremism and promotion of trade and investments," he said. "An eagerness and resolve to tap economic potential are there... we identified ways to achieve economic and commercial results and to enhance these fields to make them commensurate with excellent political relations."

He said his meetings with Saudi entrepreneurs and economic managers held great promise and Saudi Commerce Minister Hashim Yamani would soon visit Pakistan to discuss investment opportunities.

The premier said a Pakistani bank would soon begin operations in Saudi Arabia and there would be an enhanced interaction between the private sectors. "I explained to my Saudi brothers that Pakistan is a very profitable and attractive investment destination."

Shaukat Aziz termed his visit a 'success', adding that the deep political ties with the kingdom would be translated into strong economic ties. He termed his talks with the Saudi leaders positive, covering all important regional and international issues, including the situation in Iraq, Afghanistan, Palestine and Kashmir.

He said Pakistan's relations and the ongoing talks with India were also discussed. The prime minister said around one million Pakistanis were working in Saudi Arabia and efforts were under way to secure more jobs for them in the kingdom.

Mr Aziz said the two countries enjoyed deep and cordial ties embedded in history and religion. The relations, he said, span over economic, political and defence fields. "Saudi Arabia is Pakistan's true and deep friend and the two have unanimity of views on major issues," he said.

He said talks were also held with members of the business community and expatriate Pakistanis. He said the two countries would also enhance ties under the economic framework agreement signed with the Gulf Cooperation Council.

He said he was hopeful that the ties between the two countries would further strengthen and they would continue interaction in the days to come. The prime minister was received at the air base by Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Mohammad Yousuf, ministers and senior officials. -APP