ISLAMABAD, Monday, June 23, 2025 (WNP): A high-level parliamentary delegation from the Saudi Shura Council visited the Parliament House on Monday, marking a significant milestone in advancing parliamentary cooperation between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The delegation, warmly received by members of the National Assembly and senior officials, was given a detailed briefing on the workings of Pakistan’s legislative system. The visit included an extensive meeting with Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah, during which both sides discussed matters of mutual interest and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations through deeper parliamentary engagement.

Deputy Speaker Shah underscored the historic, brotherly ties between the two nations and emphasized the importance of enhancing diplomatic and legislative collaboration. Describing the visit as a milestone in parliamentary diplomacy, he reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to closer institutional linkages with Saudi Arabia. In a symbolic gesture of goodwill, he also presented commemorative shields to the visiting delegates as a token of enduring friendship.

The Saudi delegation, led by Major General (R) Dr. Abdulrahman bin Sanhat Al-Harbi and comprising Dr. Iman bint Abdulaziz Al-Jabreen and Engineer Salem bin Ali Al-Shahrani, expressed appreciation for the warm hospitality extended to them. They praised Pakistan’s democratic institutions and described the visit as both meaningful and enlightening.

Earlier, the delegation arrived in Islamabad on a special invitation from Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. In a separate meeting, Speaker Sadiq warmly welcomed the delegation and extended best wishes to the leadership and people of the Kingdom. He lauded Saudi Arabia’s exemplary arrangements for Hajj and acknowledged the Kingdom’s steadfast support to Pakistan in times of need.

Emphasizing the historical depth of Pakistan-Saudi relations, Sadiq described the Kingdom as a close and trusted brotherly country. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to dialogue, peaceful coexistence, and enhanced parliamentary linkages, noting that parliamentary diplomacy plays a vital role in bringing nations closer. He also highlighted the efforts of the Pakistan-Saudi Parliamentary Friendship Group in fostering mutual understanding between the legislatures of the two countries.

Major General (R) Dr. Al-Harbi, in turn, reiterated the deep bond between the people of both nations, stating that “the hearts of the people of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan beat in unison.” He expressed gratitude for the Speaker’s efforts in advancing parliamentary ties and reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to further enhancing collaboration at the legislative level.

The visit reflects the growing momentum in Pakistan-Saudi relations and both countries’ shared resolve to strengthen people-to-people ties and inter-parliamentary cooperation across political and diplomatic spheres.