Zardari congratulates Saudi leadership on 96th National Day, highlights defence agreements

President Asif Ali Zardari has extended congratulations to Saudi Arabia’s leadership and people on the Kingdom’s 96th National Day. According to Pakistan’s Press Information Department, Zardari wrote to King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, highlighting what he described as deep-rooted ties based on faith, shared history, friendship, trust and solidarity. He said the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement and the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement had strengthened the strategic dimension of the Pakistan-Saudi partnership. Zardari also expressed confidence that bilateral relations would continue to expand across areas of mutual interest. In his message to the crown prince, he said he looked forward to welcoming him to Pakistan at an early and convenient date and to working together to deepen cooperation.