Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani. — File photo

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday said his visit to Saudi Arabia has renewed the bonds of brotherhood and fraternity with its leadership.

Addressing a cabinet meeting at the PM Secretariat, Prime Minister Gilani apprised the ministers of his visit to Saudi Arabia and his meeting with King Abdullah.

He said King Abdullah categorically said that Saudi Arabia will help Pakistan in all spheres that we may require assistance in.

He said this visit renewed Pakistan’s bond with Saudi Arabia which has withstood test of times.

Prime Minister Gilani said during his stay from August 7-9, the invitation was a rare gesture of the Saudi government as King Abdullah does not meet visiting delegates during Ramazan.

He took the cabinet into confidence regarding his talks with King Abdullah that focused on seeking reactivation of bilateral cooperation with Saudi Arabia in the fields of science, defence, defence production, trade and commerce.

Prime Minister Gilani said he also apprised King Abdullah about Pakistan’s efforts to maintain excellent relations with neighbouring countries including India and Afghanistan.

He quoted King Abdullah as saying that “we are more than friends and brothers. We are, in fact, one country.” He said that stability in Pakistan was very important to Saudi Arabia.

Prime Minister Gilani said on the invitation, King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz was affirmative to visit Pakistan at a suitable date.