A three member delegation from the Centre for Pakistan and Gulf Studies (CPGS) held a successful weeklong visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The delegation was headed by President CPGS, Senator Sehar Kamran (TI) who is the Convener of Senate’s Pakistan-Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Friendship group. The delegation included Rear Admiral (R) Mukhtar Khan Jadoon, Former Additional Secretary, Ministry of Defence and Ms. Ifrah Waqar, Research Associate, CPGS.
During the course of the visit, the delegation held multiple meetings and roundtables with some of the leading Saudi think-tanks in Riyadh including the Centre for Research and Intercommunication Knowledge (CRIK), the King Abdulaziz Centre for National Dialogue (KACND), the King Faisal Research Centre (KFRC), the Asbar Academy for Training and Development and the Arabian Gulf Centre for Iranian Studies. The discussions underscored the vital significance both Pakistan and KSA have for each other and focused on devising future strategies to promote bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries.
Senator Sehar Kamran (TI), Rear Admiral (R) Mukhtar Khan Jadoon & Dr Yahya M. bin Jonaid during a candid discussion at the CRIK
During the deliberations it was agreed upon that there is a dire need to continue an exchange of views, research and cooperation, and to diversify the relations between the two sides especially in the context of rapidly changing geo-political realities. She appreciated the visionary initiative and working of different think-tanks in KSA especially the KACND.
A roundtable discussion at the King Abdul Aziz Centre for Dialogue (KACND)
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the Centre for Pakistan and Gulf Studies (CPGS) and the Centre for Research and Intercommunication Knowledge, headed by Dr Yahya bin Jonaid. The two Centres agreed on the need to diversify existing relations between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and further collaborate on issues of mutual interest. It was also agreed that the two sides would carry out joint research and regularly exchange views for a comprehensive understanding of each other’s perspectives.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Centre for Pakistan and Gulf Studies & Centre for Research and Intercommunication Knowledge
A Roundtable Discussion held by the Centre for Research
& Intercommunication Knowledge (CRIK)
During the roundtable held by the CRIK on the ‘Importance of Pakistan-KSA Relations’, President CPGS Senator Sehar Kamran expressed her deep gratitude to Dr Yahya bin Junaid, Chairman, CRIK for recognising the vital need to diversify Pak-KSA relations and for taking this timely initiative to start a dialogue. She said it is the need of the time that the relations between the two countries are institutionalised and people-to-people contact is strengthened. Senator Kamran said Pakistan has always made sentient efforts to promote a unified Ummah, as both a political and economic entity. She said indeed the 1973 Constitution places further emphasis on the Pakistani Government to develop closer relations with Islamic countries. She further said these exchange of views and deliberations will help both Pakistan and KSA in chalking out comprehensive solutions to the challenges both countries may face in the near future.
Dignitaries and CPGS Board of Directors during a dinner-meeting in Jeddah