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Development through brotherhood

October 8, 2013 at 11:51 am | News Desk

Interview; H.E. Abdul Aziz Ibrahim Al-Ghadee,

 Ambassador of Saudi Arabia in Pakistan untitled

Abdul Aziz Ibrahim Al-Ghadee is a seasoned diplomat with over 28 years of service; H.E. Al Ghadeer possesses an open and caring personality. It has been almost two years since his posting here at a time when Pakistan is facing daunting challenges. But already, he has made his presence known tremendously with his knowledge, dedication, and actions throughout the country.

His humanitarian efforts are not just a reflection of his generous country, but that of a true sympathizer. This love for humanity must be in his blood as his eldest son is a doctor and daughter who specialize in working with the deaf and dumb.

 Mehmood ul Hasan

Mehmood ul Hasan

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have very strong and unique historic ties. Please give your thoughts how this relationship can be further strengthen?

There exist highly cordial and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia‚ which have stood to every test of time. The hearts of the people of the two countries beat in unison. The Saudi embassy has been rigorously working for further consolidating the relations between the two nations and both countries share similar opinions on many regional and international issues. There will be many mutual official visits for the sake of common interest of the two countries In Sha allah.

How much potential exist for increase in bilateral trade?

The Kingdom is among top 15 major export destinations of Pakistani products. Annual bilateral trade between the two countries is about $5 billion. Saudi Kingdom is amongst the top 20 major importer of Pakistani products. Major items of exports from Pakistan are synthetic textiles, and leather garments, furniture, carpets and rugs, footwear, sports goods and surgical goods, rice, fish, fruits, vegetables, spices, biscuits, jams, juices etc.  132017_1365142149_5876

Pakistan mainly imports petroleum products from Saudi Arabia. The other items of import, though small in quantity, includes petrochemicals, organic chemical products, plastics and its products, fertilizers, steel products, electrical equipment and materials, raw skins, tanned leather, boilers and heavy equipment, copper and copper products, aluminum and its products, in-organic chemicals, components, precious metals, steel castings, tractors, floor coverings of man-made fibers, specialized type of chemical products, rubber and rubber products, paper and hardboard etc.

Although wider bilateral trade opportunities exist but there is huge imbalance in trade. The major cause of imbalance was bulk import of petroleum into Pakistan from Saudi Arabia. Pakistan is one of the major exporters of rice to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is the largest source of petroleum for Pakistan and remittance from Pakistani migrants to Saudi Arabia is also a major source of foreign currency.  Recently, Saudi Arabia announced that it would provide access Pakistani medicines, if manufacturers follow FDA rules.

How is Saudi Arabia helping Pakistan in terms of humanitarian aid?  Selection

Saudi Arabia always stood with Pakistan at time of need. Enjoying very special and cordial bilateral relations, the Kingdom provided help to Pakistan in all fields including security, economic and trade also. Its humanitarian assistance to Pakistan during the 2005 earthquake and massive floods in 2010 and 2011 was exemplary to mitigate the sufferings of the needy.

Riyadh has always been with Pakistan in all natural and human disasters and is committed to remain so in future. At bilateral level, Saudi Arabia has undertaken several projects in collaboration with UN agencies like WHO, UNHCR, UNDP and UNICEF in different areas of Pakistan.

The IMF recently praised Saudi Arabia for the strength of its economy and its leadership role in stabilizing the world oil markets. What factors and/or changes in the government’s agenda account for this?

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia seeks to pursue balanced and sustainable economic policies that promote investment, growth and job creation. If the Kingdom’s development policies since the mid-1970s are examined, it is clear they have been practical, rational and effective in bringing about economic development.

The first and second five-year plans focused specifically on infrastructure development; the Kingdom needed airports, roads, hospitals, desalination plants, electrical plants, etc. Subsequent plans focused on developing industries and human resources.

With regard to energy, since the Kingdom possesses the world’s largest proven oil reserves and is the largest exporter of oil, it has a responsibility to manage its energy policy in a manner that serves both producers and consumers by maintaining capacity and working to ensure stable prices. Saudi Arabia believes that high prices affect the global economy negatively by slowing down economic growth, and hurt producers in the long-run by slowing demand growth for oil. Low prices, on the other hand, hurt producing nations by reducing their income and, in the long-run, hurt consuming nations by encouraging consumption.

What are the main characteristics of Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy?

The foreign policy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is based on geographical – historical – religious – economic – security – political everlasting principles and facts. It is shaped within major frameworks, among the most important of which are; good-neighbor policy, non interference in the internal affairs of other countries, strengthen relations with the Gulf States and the countries of the Arabian Peninsula, strengthen relations with Arab and Islamic countries for the benefit of common interests of these countries, as well as advocate their issues, adopt nonalignment policy, establish cooperation relations with friendly countries, and play effective role in the international and regional organizations.

We as a sovereign nation, condemn and reject all methods and mechanisms of international terrorism, and confirm that Islam is above suspicion of all terrorist activities. We respect and adherence to the regulations of the international law, agreements, charters, and bilateral agreements, as well as respecting them all either within the framework of international organizations or other agreements.

One of the main characteristics of our foreign policy is that we defend Arab and Islamic issues in the international arena through continuous support by all political, diplomatic, and economic means.

What are your priorities as the Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan?

To work on further enhancing the strong and historic ties between our two nations in all areas, without exception, and to look after the welfare of our citizens, whether they are students, medical patients, businessmen or tourists

News Desk

Economic Affairs Editor

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