Musharraf's next week visit reflects unique Saudi-Pak ties: Envoy

Islamabad, 17 January, 07

President General Pervez Musharraf's next week visit to Saudi Arabia reflects the unique and profound relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, according to Saudi Ambassador to Islamabad Ali Awadh Asseri.

"Important issues will be discussed during Musharraf's visit as we are witnessing key developments at the regional and global levels at a very rapid pace," the ambassador told The Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

The visit, he said, "promises consultations between the Saudi leadership and Musharraf in which bilateral, regional and international issues including the simmering problems of Palestine, Iraq, Lebanon and Afghanistan are likely to be discussed."

Asseri said that the Saudi-Pak relations already reflected complete unanimity of views, which contributed towards finding ways in tackling difficult regional and international issues.

This contact at the highest level, he said, will further reiterate the unique nature of the relationship that builds the two countries together.

"The president will meet Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz. He will also perform Umrah and visit Madinah during his visit to Saudi Arabia."

An official told SPA that Musharraf was likely to brief the Saudi leadership regarding the ongoing composite dialogue and his efforts to resolve all outstanding problems with India.

According to his plan, Musharraf will also visit Egypt, Syria and Jordan.