ISLAMABAD – Saudi Information and Culture Minister, Dr. Awwad bin SalehAl-Awwad says Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are proud of their long-standingfriendship and his country will continue to promote these relations withthe new government in Pakistan.

He expressed these views while speaking at a dinner hosted by SaudiAmbassador to Pakistan Nawaf Bin Said Al-Malki in Islamabad.

He said Saudi Arabia has always supported Pakistan in its stability,prosperity and development.

He said Saudi Arabia is keen to promote cooperation with Pakistan in thefields of trade and economic development besides media and the recent visitof Saudi Trade Minister to Islamabad was a part of this series.

The Saudi Information Minister said media of both the countries is playinga key role in promoting of bilateral relations.

Earlier, the Saudi Minister for Information and Culture, who arrived inIslamabad last evening, held meeting with his Pakistani counterpart, FawadHussain Chaudhry and discussed different issues of mutual interest.

Speaking on the occasion, Fawad Chaudhry said Pakistan and Saudi Arabiashare the bond of religion and brotherhood.

The visit of Saudi Minister for Information is aimed at finding new avenuesof cooperation between the two countries.