Dr Rajeh Tami Albugamy has taken up his post as the New Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan, pledging to further strengthen the strategic and fraternal ties between Islamabad and Riyadh. He presented his credentials, the formal papers that accept a diplomat's appointment, to President Asif Zardari on a Wednesday. The sources do not give the exact date of the meeting. Albugamy succeeds Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, who completed a long tenure as Saudi ambassador earlier this year.
What was said at the meeting
The new envoy holds a doctorate in human resources management from Brunel University in London. He said he is keen to strengthen trade and investment ties with Pakistan, and he conveyed greetings from the custodian of the two holy mosques and from the crown prince and prime minister. He also wished the government and people of Pakistan further progress and prosperity.
President Zardari underscored the close strategic partnership between the two countries. He reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to the kingdom's security and defence, and said economic ties needed to deepen. He also appreciated Saudi financial support and help with oil supplies, and pointed to the contribution of the Pakistani community living in Saudi Arabia. The president said he was confident that relations would reach new heights during the ambassador's tenure.
Regional backdrop
The appointment comes at a time of tension in the Middle East that followed a conflict between the United States and Iran. The sources say the two countries nevertheless continue to maintain close diplomatic and security cooperation. Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have long-standing ties across politics, security and the economy, so a change of ambassador is a routine step that still draws close attention. The sources do not name any specific agreement, investment or project announced alongside the new envoy's arrival.
Aasan alfaaz mein
Saudi Arabia ne Dr Rajeh Tami Albugamy ko naya safir bana kar Islamabad bheja hai, jo Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki ki jagah le rahe hain. Unhon ne President Asif Zardari ko apni credentials pesh ki aur dono mulkon ke strategic taluqat ko mazboot karne ka ahd kiya. Trade, investment aur oil supply jaise economic masail par baat aage barhne ki umeed hai, lekin abhi koi naya faisla ya muahida nahi bataya gaya. Aam logon ke liye abhi koi faura tabdeeli nahi, par Saudi Arabia mein kaam karne wale Pakistani logon ke liye yeh rishta khaas ahmiyat rakhta hai.
