- Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthening Diplomatic, Economic and Strategic Ties with France and Saudi Arabia
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday received the credentials of France’s Ambassador-designate, Jean-Noël Poirier, and Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador-designate, Dr Rajeh Tami Albugamy, at Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad.
The president congratulated both diplomats on their appointments and wished them success in their respective assignments. He expressed confidence that their tenures would contribute to strengthening Pakistan’s bilateral relations with France and Saudi Arabia and expanding cooperation across areas of mutual interest.
Pakistan, France Explore Broader Bilateral Cooperation
During his meeting with French Ambassador-designate Jean-Noël Poirier, President Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening its longstanding relations with France through sustained dialogue, enhanced engagement and broader bilateral cooperation.
Emphasising the importance of multilateralism, regular high-level exchanges and an independent bilateral relationship, the president highlighted opportunities to expand cooperation in trade, investment, parliamentary exchanges, education, culture and defence.
He underscored the importance of maintaining constructive engagement and exploring new avenues of collaboration to advance the shared interests of both countries.
President Reaffirms Pakistan’s Strategic Partnership with Saudi Arabia
In his meeting with Saudi Ambassador-designate Dr Rajeh Tami Albugamy, President Zardari highlighted the longstanding strategic partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, reaffirming Islamabad’s commitment to the Kingdom’s security and defence.
The president emphasised the significance of the Makkah Alliance for Defence and the institutional mechanisms supporting bilateral cooperation, underscoring the importance of continued coordination on shared strategic priorities.
He also called for deeper economic engagement between the two countries, appreciated Saudi Arabia’s financial assistance and support through oil supplies, and acknowledged the valuable contribution of the Pakistani community to the Kingdom’s development.
Expressing confidence in the future of bilateral relations, President Zardari said he looked forward to further strengthening Pakistan-Saudi Arabia ties during the ambassador’s tenure.
Commitment to Stronger International Partnerships
The diplomatic engagements reflect Pakistan’s continued efforts to reinforce its relationships with key international partners through political dialogue, economic cooperation and strategic engagement.
While Pakistan seeks to broaden its partnership with France across trade, investment, education and defence, its relationship with Saudi Arabia remains anchored in longstanding strategic ties, mutual support and close cooperation on security and economic matters.
The president expressed optimism that both ambassadors would play a constructive role in advancing Pakistan’s relations with their respective countries and opening new avenues for bilateral collaboration.
BY: Nadeem Faisal Baiga
