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JEDDAH: President Asif Ali Zardari and King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia on Wednesday reiterated their resolve to further deepen the bilateral relations and lay greater stress on economic cooperation.
The two leaders, who met here in the Royal Palace, held extensive discussions on bilateral ties, situation in the Middle East and the South Asian region and the fight against militancy.
Briefing the media, Spokesperson to the President Farhatullah Babar said that the president held a 75-minute long meeting with the Saudi King.
Interior Minister Rehman Malik and Saudi Interior Minister Prince Naif Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud were also present on the occasion.
About the situation in the Middle East, Zardari said that Pakistan favoured political stability and was against the use of violence.
King Abdullah praised Pakistan's sacrifices in the fight against militancy and said the Kingdom was a steadfast friend of Pakistan through thick and thin.
Earlier upon arrival at the King Abdul Aziz International Airport, President Zardari was received by Second Deputy Premier and Minister for Interior Prince Naif Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, Governor Makkah Prince Khalid Al Faisal and the Mayor of Jeddah.
Zardari is accompanied by the interior minister and the presidential spokesperson.
Babar said that the visit is aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and taking forward the consultative process on issues of peace, security and political stability in countries of the region that have recently been witnessing violence and turmoil.
