Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Rajeh bin Thami Al-Buqami visited the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, where he held a detailed meeting with Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf to discuss bilateral relations, cooperation in the religious sector and arrangements for facilitating Pakistani Hajj pilgrims and Umrah visitors.
Federal Secretary for Religious Affairs Abrar Ahmed Mirza and Joint Secretary Hajj Syed Abdul Waheed Shah also attended the meeting.
Welcoming the Saudi ambassador on his appointment to Pakistan, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said that relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had entered a new era. He observed that the two countries enjoyed exceptionally strong religious, historical and fraternal ties, adding that Saudi Arabia had always stood by Pakistan like an elder brother during difficult times.
The minister said the Makkah Accord represented the voice of the people and that Pakistan’s spiritual and religious bond with the Haramain (the two holy mosques in Makkah and Madinah) would remain intact forever. He added that the people of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were connected through enduring bonds of devotion, love and brotherhood, which continued to strengthen relations between the two countries.
Sardar Muhammad Yousaf appreciated the exemplary measures being taken under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to provide maximum facilities to Hajj pilgrims. He also commended the Saudi government’s efforts to improve Hajj arrangements and introduce modern facilities for pilgrims.
Describing the Route to Makkah initiative as an excellent project, the minister said it had significantly facilitated Pakistani pilgrims and made their journey for Hajj more convenient.
The federal minister also invited the Saudi ambassador to visit his hometown, Mansehra, expressing hope that his appointment would further strengthen the longstanding brotherly relations and expand cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in various fields.
Speaking on the occasion, Saudi Ambassador Dr Rajeh bin Thami Al-Buqami said his appointment to Pakistan was an honour and that Pakistan had now become his first home.
The ambassador observed that serving Hajj pilgrims was a great privilege and said the Saudi leadership attached special importance to serving the Two Holy Mosques and providing the best possible facilities to pilgrims.
Expressing his admiration for the poetry of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, Dr Al-Buqami said he had a deep interest in Iqbal’s literary works and greatly admired his poetry.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the commitment to further strengthen the longstanding fraternal relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and maintain close coordination to enhance cooperation in religious affairs, Hajj and Umrah services and other areas of mutual interest.
