JEDDAH: The first Saudi-Pakistan Friendship program was held at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) on 17 Apr. It included recitation of an Arabic poem by Saudi poet Naji Batesh and presentations based on national songs of both the countries‚ which were performed by students of Saudi and international schools along with the performance of Firqah Nagam.

Dr. Abdullah Omar Nasseef‚ president of the WMC‚ outlined the role of the congress‚ in promoting ties of friendship between the two nations. “ WMC is an organization where the president is always a Saudi and the secretary-general a Pakistani‚” he said.

Raja Muhammad Zafarul Haq‚ secretary-general of WMC‚ expressed satisfaction at the growing relations between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. “Saudi Arabia can rest assured that Pakistan will always stand with the Kingdom‚” he said.

Ambassador Muhammad Ahmad Al-Tayyab‚ permanent representative of Saudi Arabia to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)‚ said the two nations share years of understanding and cooperation in many areas of development. “This creates solidarity between the two countries‚” he said.

He thanked the World Muslim Congress and the Pakistani Consulate for coming up with idea of the friendship program.

Welcoming the guests‚ Consul General Aftab Ahmad Khokher said: “The ties between the two countries are rooted in deep brotherly and fraternal association.

Highlighting the aim of the program‚ Tanweer Zaman of the World Muslim Congress (WMC) said: “Saudi-Pakistan relations are unique in nature and this program manifests that relationship.”

Mohiuddin Yahya Hakimi‚ assistant secretary-general of JCCI‚ said the commercial ties that flourish between the two countries are growing year by year.

Dr. Ali Al-Ghamdi‚ former Saudi diplomat‚ said the establishment of Pakistan is based on the two-nation theory.

The program was attended by more than 1‚000 dignitaries and citizens of both countries. The program was hosted by Dr. Hasan Al-Gohtami and Mohammed Sami Ahmed.

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