INTRODUCTION

Thebilateral relationsbetween theIslamic Republic of Pakistanand theKingdom of Saudi Arabiaarehistoricallyclose and extremely friendly, occasionally described as constituting aspecial relationship.As two of the world's leading Islamic states as well as the power brokers in theMuslim world, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have sought to develop extensive commercial, cultural, religious, political, and strategic relations since theestablishment of Pakistanin 1947. Even today, the relationships with the Saudi Arabia represents the most "important and bilateral partnership" in the currentforeign policy of Pakistan, working and seeking to develop closer bilateral ties with Saudi Arabia, the largest country on theArabian peninsulaand host to the two holiest cities ofIslam,MeccaandMedinaand the destination of Muslim pilgrims from across the world. According to aPew Research Centersurvey,Pakistanishold the most favorable perception of the desert kingdom, with 95 percent viewing Saudi Arabia favorably and none expressing a negative view.With one of the largest armies in the world and as the only declarednuclear poweramong the Muslim states, Pakistan has maintained a unique position to assist Saudi Arabia with its defense needs. TheBBCclaimed in 2013 that Saudi Arabia has invested in Pakistans nuclear weapons projects. Both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia denied the report. The kingdom has often tried to woo Pakistan by giving it gifts and loans, for example in 2014 it gifted Pakistan 200 tonnes of dates.Pakistans current Prime MinisterNawaz Sharifenjoys exceptionally close ties with senior members of theSaudi royal family. When Sharif was toppled in the bloodless1999 Pakistani coup d'tat, Saudi Arabia intervened; and military chiefPervez Musharrafallowed Sharif and his family to travel into exile in Saudi Arabia. On 2 April 2014,Pakistan Todayreported that Pakistan will sellJF-17 Thunderjets to Saudi Arabia, after the kingdom had given a grant of $1.5 billion to Pakistan in early 2014.On January 8, 2014,Al-Monitorreported that the partnership with Pakistan satisfies the Saudi historic quest for a close non-Arab ally to maintain itshegemonyin theArab worldand deal with its own internal security challenges. Saudi Arabia is often seen offering its economic resources and the promise ofinvestmentin return for military and security cooperation from Pakistan.

Development of bilateral relations

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are leading members of theOrganization of Islamic Cooperation(OIC). Saudi Arabia was one of the strongest supporters of Pakistan during Pakistan'swars with India, especially opposing the creation ofBangladeshfrom Pakistan'seastern wingin 1971.While it had supported Pakistan's stance on theKashmir conflict, it has since endorsed the Indo-Pakistani peace process. With Pakistan, it provided extensive financial and political support to theTalibanand theAfghan mujahedeenfighting theSoviet invasion of Afghanistanin the 1980s.During the 1990-1991Persian Gulf War, Pakistan sent troops to protect the Islamic holy sites in Saudi Arabia, but strains developed when some Pakistani politicians and Gen.Mirza Aslam Beg, the then-chief of staffof thePakistani armyopenly expressed support forSaddam Hussein's regime inIraqand its invasion ofKuwait.Along with theUnited Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan were the only states to recognizeTalibanrule inAfghanistan. In May 1998, Saudi Arabia was the only country that was taken in complete confidence byPrime MinisterNawaz Sharifon Pakistan's decision on performingatomic testinWeapon-testing laboratories-III(WTL-III) in the region of theChagai Hills. After the ordered the atomic tests (see codenames:Chagai-IandChagai-II), Saudi Arabia, along withUnited Arab Emirates, were the only countries to backed Pakistan and congratulated the country for making the "bold decision". Furthermore, Saudi Arabia promised to supply 50,000 barrels per day of free oil to help Pakistan cope with likely economic sanctions in the aftermath

Saudi-Pakistan Relations Threat to India:On February 26, India and Saudi Arabia signed an agreement to strengthen co-operation in military training, logistics supplies and exchange of defense-related information. However, it is Saudi Arabias deepening role in propping up the Pakistani jihadist military state on Indias border that is creating a long-term security threat to India.While a strong Saudi-Pakistan defence partnership has existed for long, the upswing in the relationship marks a qualitative change, with Riyadh motivated by an urge to overthrow the Shia regime in Syria and counter a nuclear-capable Iran.There are two immediate reasons behind the growing Saudi insecurity, resulting in Saudi Arabias move to transform itself as a regional military power. One, Riyadh is deeply dismayed by the US failure to play a consequential role in the Syria uprising to overthrow the Bashar al-Assad regime. Two, the current White Houses policy of rapprochement with Iran is causing anxiety among the Saudis and other Sunni states. The Saudi insecurity became severe after the Geneva 5+1 pact with Iran, which is aimed at curtailing the Iranian nuclear programme but in effect is rewriting the balance of power in the Middle East.Consequently, Pakistan has emerged as central to the Saudi strategy, as Riyadh aids the opposition fighters in Syria. Recently, Pakistan army chief General Raheel Sharif travelled to Saudi Arabia, while Saudi foreign minister Saud al-Faisal and defence minister Salman bin Abdulaziz visited Pakistan. From Pakistani media reports, it emerges that Riyadh is seeking Pakistani military arsenal for use in Syria. According to Roznama Ummat of February 7, Riyadh asked for two divisions of Pakistan armyabout 30,000 soldiers and 16,000 support staffto train Saudi troops. The Saudis are also seeking Chinese-built JF-17 Thunder fighter planes. Media reports emerging from Riyadh reveal that Pakistan was asked to provide anti-aircraft and anti-tank rockets for use in Syria. Also, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are planning a major military exercise this year.And although Islamabad has denied that it will provide nuclear technology to Riyadh, such a Pakistani claim is not reliable because: one, the emerging Saudi strategy seems to be aimed at countering Irans nuclear programme; two, it was reported last year that Saudi Arabia has invested in the Pakistani nuclear programme; three, in recent decades, Pakistan has been transformed into a client state for the Saudis, rendering Islamabad incapable of denying a Saudi request for Pakistani nuclear weapons and technology. On March 7, Pakistani foreign office spokesperson Tasneem Aslam admitted that the Pakistan-Saudi co-operation involves the possibility of defence production. On the night of March 4, Aftab A Khokher, the consul general of Pakistan in Jeddah, was chief guest at an event on the Pakistan Navy ship PNS Alamgir, where he noted that the Pakistan-Saudi relations are beyond any limits.Liberal Pakistani commentators are worried over the likely Saudi use of Pakistani weapons in Syria. First, it could push Iran to respond in kind in Pakistan. There is a precedent: during the 1980s jihad in Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia propped up jihadi groups and fundamentalist Sunni madarsahs, which are the sole reason for the Shia genocide now unfolding in Pakistan. As the Saudis armed the Sunni militant groups, Iran backed Shia groups in Pakistan. Second, Pakistani Taliban militants are now present in Syria, fighting to overthrow the al-Assad regime. These militants will someday return to Pakistan, further drowning the country into jihadism. Even now Pakistani writers think that the ground in Pakistan is already paved for Islamic sharia rule. Third, the current peace negotiations between the Pakistani government and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan are being seen as enjoying the support of the Saudi leadership. The strengthening of the Taliban and the militants returning from Syria will transform the jihadi landscape in Pakistan in coming years. At the minimum, the current Pakistani talks with the Taliban will offer a permanent sanctuary to the Taliban and Al-Qaeda fighters in Waziristan as part of any peace deal.Pakistan has approved the Saudi line on Syria. At the end of Salman Abdulazizs visit to Islamabad, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia issued a joint statement on February 17 in which Pakistan underlined the need to overthrow the Shia regime in Damascus. As per the statement, Riyadh and Islamabad called for the formation of a transitional governing body with full executive powers enabling it to take charge of the affairs in Syria.Worried over these developments, several Pakistani writers warned Islamabad against getting embroiled in Syria. Columnist Mosharraf Zaidi accused the Nawaz Sharif government of bartering Pakistans sovereignty for money by aligning with Riyadhs interventionist policy on Syria. Journalist Nadir Hassan warned against Pakistans entanglement in Syria, saying it will alienate Shia Muslims in Pakistan. Senior commentator Ayaz Amir blamed Pakistans Syria entanglement on two factors: one, Nawaz Sharifs incapability to say no to Riyadh; two, Pakistans need for cash. Columnist Nazeer Naji advised Pakistan to save itself from the Syrian conflict, warning that its flames will engulf several countries in the region including Iran, bringing the fire to Pakistans border.The Saudi-Pakistan partnership is certain to boost the jihadist organisations and the Pakistani intelligence agencies which are nurturing them, thereby transforming Pakistan into a complete jihadist military state in the near future. Indian diplomacy aims at boosting co-operation with Arab regimes, based on the argument that the interests of about seven million Indians working in the Middle East must be defended. India used this argument in 2003 when it rejected a US request to send troops for the Iraq war. However, India must also remember that the Saudis strengthening of Pakistani jihadist state could mean the following: it will threaten India in the long term; it will destabilise Afghanistan which has been gaining a sense of stability; it will birth more jihadist organisations in Pakistan, which are bound to affect a large Muslim population in India, thereby threatening the cohesion of India; it will cause Sunni-Shia conflicts across South Asia. Hopelessly, India cannot even get the Saudis to moderate their conduct to curb jihadism on Indias borders.

Military cooperationPakistan maintains close military ties with Saudi Arabia, providing extensive support, arms and training for the Saudi Arabianmilitary.Fighter Pilots of thePakistan Air Forceflew aircraft of theRoyal Saudi Air Forceto repel an incursion fromSouth Yemenin 1969. In the 1970s and 1980s, approximately ~15,000 Pakistani soldiers were stationed in the kingdom.Saudi Arabia has negotiated the purchase of Pakistaniballistic missilescapable of carryingnuclear warheads.It is also speculated that Saudi Arabia secretly funded Pakistan'satomic bomb programmeand seeks to purchaseatomic weaponsfrom Pakistan to enable it to counteract possible threats from arsenals of theweapons of mass destructionpossessed byIran,IraqandIsrael.Both nations have received high-level delegations of scientists, government and Saudi military experts of seeking to study the development of a Saudi nuclear programme. According to Bruno Tertrais, a researcher for the EU Non-Proliferation Consortium, during informal discussions held in 2005 a former PakistanNational Command Authorityofficials have said that deploying Pakistan nuclear warheads in Saudi Arabia would be "worse than theCuban missile crisis." Tertrais concludes that there is no hard evidence in the public domain of any nuclear cooperation between the two countries.

Stronger Saudi-Pakistan Military Ties:Crown Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz, who is Saudi Arabias deputy prime minister and defense minister has just concluded an official visit to Pakistan. Some defense experts say that Saudi Arabias close military ties with Pakistan, though not new, now have a new dimension - namely countering the threat of a nuclear-capable Iran.Some security experts fear that one of the unintended consequences of international efforts to reach a nuclear deal with Iran could be to put its Gulf rival Saudi Arabia on a fast track to boost its own military capability in an unprecedented way.Ali Sherazi is Pakistans former ambassador to Saudi Arabia, and speaking to VOAs Deewa Radio he says Riyadh may fear a nuclear deal could end economic sanctions on Iran, enabling it to secretly pursue its ambitions.Iran is seeking to be a nuclear power and Saudi Arabia as a regional power, cannot ignore this, he said.With one of the largest armies in the world and the only declared nuclear power among the Muslim states, Pakistan is in a unique position to assist Saudi Arabia with its defense needs. Sarfraz Khan, the chairman of the Area Study Center at the University of Peshawar, says Iran and Saudi Arabia have conflicting interests in the region and Pakistan can strengthen the Saudi position.To counter Irans influence, Saudi Arabia has often looked towards Pakistans help, he told Deewa Radio.Last year, the BBC reported that Saudi Arabia has invested in Pakistans nuclear weapons projects. Both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia denied the report.But there is no denying that the military cooperation between the two countries is strong and getting stronger. The joint statement issued Monday at the end of Crown Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz visit says The two sides also agreed on the need to enhance bilateral cooperation in the field of defense.This cooperation comes in many forms, including training of Saudi pilots by the Pakistan Air Force and the deployment of Pakistani troops to Saudi Arabia to provide security. Nauman Wazir, a defense analyst and former air commodore of Pakistan's Air Force, says now Pakistan may sell JF-17 Thunder combat jets and trainer aircraft to Saudi Arabia.For Saudi Arabia, there is no better aircraft than the JF-17 as a trainer and as a fighter plane. It has the capability to support the troops on the ground, Wazir told Deewa. But the two countries' joint statement does not specify if the Saudis are interested in buying jets from Pakistan.Ali Sherazi also says say Iran is not the only reason Saudi Arabia wants close military ties with Islamabad. They say Pakistan can also help the oil-rich kingdom combat the threat from al-Qaida and border incursions from neighboring Yemen.Al-Qaida is also seen as a threat in Saudi Arabia. On top of that the regional situation like the infiltration from Yemen is a factor and that makes the Saudi threat perception multi-dimensional, Sherazi said.Pakistan has its own disputes with Tehran largely focused on the tense border between Iran and Pakistans Balochistan province. Five Iranian border guards were seized recently by militants and taken across the border into Balochistan, prompting Iran to warn that it might send forces across the border to free them. Pakistan expressed serious concern over the remarks and tense ties with Iran are likely to push Islamabad and Riyadh closer together say analysts.Pakistans Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif also enjoys exceptionally close ties with senior members of the Saudi royal family. When Sharif was toppled in a bloodless military coup in 1999, Saudi Arabia intervened and military chief, Pervez Musharraf allowed Sharif and his family to travel into exile in Saudi Arabia. Mehmood Shah, a former Pakistani army brigadier and senior official in Pakistans intelligence agency, the ISI says those close ties will only strengthen ties between Islamabad and Riyadh.During former President Zardaris tenure relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were not really warm but as we know that PM Sharif has good relations with the Saudi ruling family and that further strengthens the bilateral ties, Shah told Deewa. Saudi Arabia Seeks Pakistani Weapons:Saudi Arabia is reportedly in talks with its ally Pakistan to provide weapons to the Syrian opposition against the regime of President Bashar al-Assad. At the same time, it is deepening defense relations with Pakistans nemesis, India.The AFP news agency reported on Sunday that the Saudis were seeking antiaircraft and antitank weapons from Pakistan weapons the United States, Saudi Arabias ally, has refused to deliver to Syrian opposition fighters, fearing they might end up in the hands of Islamic extremists.Saudi Arabia has been increasingly apprehensive about American policy in the Middle East. It was disappointed when President Barack Obama did not follow up on his threat to use military force against the Assad regime after it had allegedly deployed chemical weapons against civilians and rebels. It also regards warily American overtures to Iran, its rival for hegemony in the region.The Saudi request for Pakistani weapons which was not confirmed by authorities in either state comes as Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the defense minister and heir presumptive to the Saudi throne, visited New Delhi to sign a memorandum of understanding on future defense cooperation. The pact would allow for the sharing of defense information, military training and cooperation in logistics and security.Commercial relations between India and Saudi Arabia are also expanding. The total trade volume between the two countries has doubled in the last four years, to nearly $44 billion in 2012-2013, when Pakistani-Saudi trade did not exceed $5 billion. Saudi Arabia is Indias fourth largest trading partner and main provider of oil while it has had to reduce sales from Iran as a result of international sanctions. Some two million Indian workers are employed in the Arab kingdom.The Pakistanis, whose economy is expected to grow just 2.3 percent this year, may be uncomfortable with this burgeoning Indo-Saudi relationship but are unlikely to lose an ally. The Saudis backed them during their wars with India and opposed the secession of East Pakistan which nevertheless became Bangladesh in 1971. They also collaborated with Pakistan and the United States in supporting the Afghanmujahideenin their resistance to the Soviet occupation in the 1980s when Saudi Arabia financed Pakistans military modernization.The less secure alliance is the one between Saudi Arabia and the United States. Even if the former has little choice but to remain an American client state, given how dependent it is on American military aid and equipment, it is seeking help elsewhere to wage its proxy war in Syria against Irans ally, Assad.

Pak-Saudi defense agreed cooperation:The two leaders decided to further enhance their existing cooperation in various fields and it will be shaped in the bilateral talks to take place today(Monday). In the meanwhile Saudi Crown Prince and Defence Minister Salman bin Abdul Aziz had meeting with Minister for Defence Khawaja Mohammad Asif at the Punjab House and discussed cooperation in the field of defence and training of military personnel.During the meeting, Minister for Defence Khawaja Mohammad Asif warmly greeted the distinguished guest and said that the visit is highly significant, adding, We thank Excellency for undertaking this most important visit at the most important time. Both the sides discussed matters of mutual cooperation in the field of defence. They showed keen interest in extending cooperation in the field of defence and matters of defence trainings, and cooperation in the field of education was broadly discussed. The two sides also agreed to exchange of military personnel for training and joint venture in defence production.Saudi Arabia greatly appreciated the capacity of Pakistan defence industry and cooperation in the field of defence production also came under discussion. Khawaja Asif reiterated that Saudi Arabia held great importance for all Muslims across the world and said it is the first visit of Prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz after assuming the charge of defence minister. He expressed hope that the visit would further enhance ties and give boost to relations.The minister reiterated that both the countries could be self sufficient in defence equipment production besides exporting them to international market. Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq also called on Saudi Crown Prince and Defence Minister Prince Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud and exchanged views on matters of mutual interest and ways of strengthening relations. Referring to the immemorial brotherly ties with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, the Speaker said that both the countries are intertwined in religious and cultural bonds which have gained strength due to the commitment of ruling hierarchies on both sides.He said that Pakistan greatly values Saudi support during natural calamities and crisis. The Speaker expressed his desire to further intensify cooperation between the two sides.The Minister of State of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Foreign Affairs Dr Nizar Bin Obaid Madani called on the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Syed Tariq Fatemi at the Foreign Office. They discussed bilateral, regional and international matters of mutual interest. The meeting was held in a very cordial and friendly atmosphere. The Special Assistant to the Prime Minister while welcoming the Saudi Minister of State stated that the Government of Pakistan accorded high priority to its relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He underscored that prime minister of Pakistan was desirous of taking the bilateral relations to new heights. Referring to the existing close and fraternal relations, the special assistant remarked that the destinies of the two countries were interlinked and the relations were marked by mutual trust and understanding. He emphasized the need to initiate a new era of strategic relationship between the two brotherly countries and also to further enhance bilateral ties in diverse areas, particularly in economic, trade and investment sectors, to impart greater substance to the existing cordial relations.The Saudi minister of state for foreign affairs stated that the fact that the Crown Prince had chosen Pakistan as the first country for his Asian visit is symbolic of the importance Saudi Arabia attached to its relations with Pakistan. Recalling the recent high level visits to Pakistan by senior members of the Saudi leadership, including foreign minister, deputy defence minister and chairman Saudi Tourism and Antiquities, Dr Madani expressed satisfaction that the relations were moving in the right direction.He emphasised that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were linked with bonds of brotherhood rooted in common culture and faith of Islam. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was desirous of enhancing ties with Pakistan in diverse areas and informed that during the visit, the Crown Prince would be exchanging views with the Pakistani leadership on the whole range of bilateral and international issues of mutual interest. The two countries shared a common vision and challenges which needed to be addressed together.The diplomatic sources have pointed out that Saudi Crown Prince and defence minister will discuss the political situation prevailing in South Asia with the Indian leaders and likely to help for improvement of ties between Pakistan and India when he will be paying an official visit to India towards the end of this month.The Crown Prince who had informal chat with host Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Sunday evening at the banquet hosted by Saudi ambassador to Pakistan Dr Abdul Aziz Ibrahim Saleh Al-Ghadeer at picturesque Punjab House would be having formal talks with the prime minister today (Monday). He will be briefed about the regional situation including the developments pertaining to Afghanistan and relations with India with particular reference to Kashmir situation besides other subjects. Saudi Arabia is keen for stability of the region and deeply interested in normalization of ties between Pakistan and India. The Crown Prince would discuss the subject here and in New Delhi with the host leadership. Highly placed diplomatic sources told The News Sunday evening that rapidly growing ties between Saudi Kingdom and India would become instrumental for an effective role by Riyadh to bridge differences between Islamabad and New Delhi. Saudi Arabia believes that strained ties between Pakistan and India could be a hurdle for its expanding relationship with both the neighbouring countries.Crown Prince Salman bin Abdul Aziz will undertake his second visit to India after becoming the Crown Prince in June 2012. India and Saudi Arabia are also expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on defence, which envisages exchange of defence-related information, and training and cooperation in areas varying from hydrocarbons and security to its logistics. When Defence Minister A.K Antony visited Saudi Arabia in 2012, it was agreed by both sides to step up cooperation in the defence field. A joint panel was then constituted to prepare a draft pact. The two countries are also eager to work together in curbing money laundering and drug trafficking. Indo-Saudi bilateral trade exceeded $43.19 billion in 2012-13. There are more than 2.5 million Indian expatriates in Saudi Arabia who contribute immensely to the socio-economic development of the oil-rich kingdom.INP adds: The Crown Prince and Defence Minister Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud has said that Saudi Arabia will extend all-out support to Pakistan in diverse fields and would always stand by its Pakistani brethren whenever needed.The Crown Prince was talking to the Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq who called on the visiting dignitary here on Sunday.The Crown Prince termed relations between the two countries as historic and unique. He said that Pakistan is the closest friend and ally to the Kingdom. He said that existing relations would be strengthened in days to come and cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan would be further diversified for mutual benefit of both the nations. He said that Saudi Arabia strongly desires to see a prosperous, stable and economically vibrant Pakistan.

Saudi Arabia gives Pakistan 'gift' for Syria support:Saudi Arabia has paid Pakistan $1.5bn to ensure the country will not sell arms to Syria, an adviser to Pakistani Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif has revealed.Adviser on national security and foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz told the Pakistani Senates Foreign Affairs Committee on Monday that Pakistan had accepted the Saudi gift on the condition it not send arms to any country in civil war, particularly Syria, English newspaperDaily Timesreported. Senior officials at the Pakistani finance ministry and central bank had said last week that the money was to boost the countrys falling foreign currency reserves and help cement security ties between the two countries.In February a senior Pakistani intelligence official told theFinancial Timesthat Saudi Arabia was seeking a large number of [Pakistan] troops to support its campaign along the Yemeni border and for internal security.The official also said the $1.5bn agreement, reached during a visit by Saudi Prince Salman last month, involved Pakistans support for establishing a transitional governing body in Syria. Islamabad had previously remained neutral in the Syrian crisis.Aziz told the Senate the $1.5bn was gifted money.The Senate committee was unsatisfied with the advisers explanation and also called for maintaining relations with Iran, a traditional foe of Saudi Arabia, saying ties with one should not be at the cost of the other. Pakistan has traditionally had a balanced relationship with both the Sunni majority Saudi Arabia and the Shia majority Iran.Saudi Arabia is staunchly opposed to Syrian President Bashar Al Assad and is believed to be funding some opposition groups.Earlier this month the kingdom withdrew its ambassador to Qatar a fellow Gulf Cooperation Council member for reasons including differing views on Syria, with the countries backing different opposition groups.

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia to launch joint defence ventures:Crown prince who arrived on three-day visit on Saturday met a number of senior government functionaries including Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq.Saudi Crown Prince called on Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif here at the Punjab House and discussed cooperation in the field of defence and training of military personnel.During the meeting, the Minister for Defence warmly greeted the distinguished guest and said that the visit of the Crown Prince is highly significant, adding, We thank Excellency for undertaking this most important visit at the most important time. Both the sides discussed matters of mutual cooperation in the field of defence and showed keen interest in extending cooperation in the field of defence and matters of defence trainings and cooperation in the field of education was broadly discussed.Saudi Arabia greatly appreciated the capacity of Pakistan defence industry and cooperation in the field of defence production also came under discussion.Khawaja Asif reiterated that Saudi Arabia held great importance for all Muslims across the world and added this was the first visit of Prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz after assuming the charge of Defence Minister.The Defence Minister hoped that the visit would further enhance ties and give boost to relations.Pakistan and Saudi Arabia agreed to exchange of military personnel for training and joint venture in defence production. The Minister reiterated that both the countries could be self-sufficient in defence equipment production for both the countries besides exporting to international market.Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq also called on Saudi Crown Prince and Defence Minister Prince Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud here on Sunday and exchanged views on matters of mutual interest and ways of strengthening relations.Referring to the brotherly ties with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, the Speaker said that both the countries were intertwined in religious and cultural bonds which have gained strength due to the commitment of ruling hierarchies on both sides. He said that Pakistan greatly values Saudi Arabian support during natural calamities and crisis. The Speaker expressed his desire to further intensify cooperation between the two sides. He remarked that a regular exchange of high level visits would play an important role in further strengthening relations.The Crown Prince termed relations between the two sides as historic and unique.He said that Pakistan is the closest friend and ally of the Kingdom.He said that existing relations would be strengthened in days to come and cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan would be further diversified for mutual benefit of both the countries.He said that Saudi Arabia strongly desires to see a prosperous, stable and economically vibrant Pakistan. The Crown Prince said Saudi Arabia will extend all out support to Pakistan in diverse fields.He said that Saudi Arabia would always stand by its Pakistani brethren whenever needed.Meanwhile, Minister of State of Saudi Arabia on Foreign Affairs Dr. Nizar Bin Obaid Madani called on Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Syed Tariq Fatemi and discussed bilateral, regional and international matters of mutual interest. The meeting was held in a very cordial and friendly atmosphere in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday. The Special Assistant to Prime Minister, while welcoming the Saudi Minister of State, stated that the Government of Pakistan accorded high priority to its relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.He underscored that Prime Minister of Pakistan was desirous of taking the bilateral relations to new heights.Referring to the existing close and fraternal relations, the Special Assistant remarked that the destinies of the two countries were interlinked and the relations were marked by mutual trust and understanding.He emphasised the need to initiate a new era of strategic relationship between the two brotherly countries and also to further enhance bilateral ties in diverse areas, particularly in economic, trade and investment sectors, to impart greater substance to the existing cordial relations.Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Madani stated that the fact that the Crown Prince had chosen Pakistan as the first country for his Asian visit, is symbolic of the importance Saudi Arabia attached to its relations with Pakistan.Recalling the recent high level visits to Pakistan by senior members of the Saudi Arabian leadership, including Foreign Minister, Deputy Defence Minister and Chairman Saudi Tourism and Antiquities, Dr Madani expressed satisfaction that the relations were moving in the right direction.He emphasised that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were linked with bonds of brotherhood, rooted in common culture and faith of Islam.The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was desirous of enhancing ties with Pakistan in diverse areas and informed that during the visit, the Crown Prince would be exchanging views with the Pakistani leadership on the whole range of bilateral and international issues of mutual interest, he said.Pakistan's Top General In Saudi Arabia To Discuss Defense CooperationIn his first trip abroad since replacing General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani in November 2013, General Raheel Sharif, Pakistans Chief of Army Staff,left on a three-day visit to Saudi Arabia.Sharif will meeting King Abdullah and the entire gamut of top Saudi military officials.According toDAWN, Sharif will focus on defense and security cooperation and address a range of issues, pushing for a new era in the strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.The visit will serve as a sort of meet-and-great for Sharif who has now been Chief of Army Staff for a little over two full months. Saudi Arabias defense and security ties with Pakistan hinge on a close relationship with the powerful Pakistani chief of army staff. Sharif may also discuss more mundane issues in the Kingdom such as Pakistans plans for the joint China-Pakistan JF-17 Thunder jets that Riyadhhas allegedly expressed some interest in purchasing.Sharifs visit will likely follow up on issues raised during Saudi Foreign Minister Turki bin Faisal al Sauds trip to Islamabad earlier this year.During that visit, the Saudi foreign minister met with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, President Mamnoon Hussain, and National Security Adviser Sartaj Aziz. The visit was the first high-level visit by a Saudi leader to Pakistan in six years and was described by the Pakistan government as historic. The Saud minister conveyed a message from King Abdullah about friendship, cooperation and a commitment to stand by each other under all circumstances.Relations between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have always been closeSaudi Arabia sees Pakistan as an important partner in South Asia and has purchased Pakistani small arms in the past. Relations cooled slightly following General Pervez Musharrafs departure, with the Pakistan Peoples Partys government less receptive to the Saudis than prior Pakistani governments. Nawaz Sharifs government has made attempts in its first year in power to return the bilateral relationship to its normal state, and Raheel Sharifs visit will continue the momentum.For Saudi Arabia, Pakistan is an important partner in its bid to contain Iran and Sharifs visit so soon after Turki bin Faisals trip to Islamabad will send an alarming signal to Tehran. Close defense and security ties with Pakistan will help Saudi Arabia maintain its regional dominance with the assistance of an important non-Arab ally.Sharifs visit to Riyadh is unlikely to result in any major deals, but all signs point to closer ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Expect defense hardware deals, military exchanges, and training cooperation in the future.

Cultural and commercial ties

Saudi Arabia has also provided extensive religious and educational aid to Pakistan, being a major contributor to the construction of mosques andmadrassas(religious schools) across Pakistan, theFaisal Mosque(dedicated to KingFaisal of Saudi Arabia) inIslamabad, and the capital of Pakistan. Since 1980, the number of religious schools increased from 800 to 27000 in 1997 and all are funded by Saudi Arabia. The schools serves as nursery for teenagers and little children (giving religious and moral education) Pakistan, Syria, Afghanistan, Iran, Russia, Yemen etc.Since 1947, the political parties have been receiving funding for their political activities in the country. The major Pakistani city ofLyallpur was also renamedFaisalabadin honor of King Faisal in 1977. Saudi Arabia remains a major destination for immigration amongst Pakistanis, the number of whom living in Saudi Arabia stands between 900,000 and 1 million (seePakistanis in Saudi Arabia).Saudi Arabia was a major supporter of the "Islamisation" programme of the military ruler Gen.Zia-ul-Haqin the 1970s. In 2006,

KingAbdullah of Saudi Arabiawas awarded theNishan-e-Pakistan, the highestcivilian decorationof Pakistan. Saudi Arabia is the largest source ofpetroleumfor Pakistan.It also supplies extensive financial aid to Pakistan andremittancefrom Pakistani migrants to Saudi Arabia is also a major source of foreign currency.In recent years, both countries have exchanged high-level delegations and developed plans to expand bilateral cooperation in trade, education,real estate,tourism,information technology,communicationsandagriculture.Saudi Arabia is aiding the development of trade relations with Pakistan through the Gulf Cooperation Council, with which Pakistan is negotiating afree trade agreement; the volume of trade between Pakistan and GCC member states in 2006 stood atUSD11 billion.