Saudi Arabia offers $300m special grant to Pakistan: Khaleej Times

ISLAMABAD - Saudi Arabia will offer $300 million special grant to help improve Pakistan's ailing economy in the wake of rising fuel prices.

"Saudi Arabia fully realises the difficulties being faced by Pakistan following rising fuel prices and food crisis and would disburse this $300 million shortly," said Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan, Ali S. Awadh Asseri.

Talking to reporters here on Thursday he also said that during the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani to the kingdom, several matters will be discussed to further improve economic relations between the two countries.

"The amount of $300 million would be gift to Pakistan as we are committed to Pakistan and would do whatever we can whole- heartedly," the ambassador said.

Ambassador Asseri said the Saudi Embassy in Islamabad and its consulate was issuing work visas to approximately 1,200 Pakistanis every single day, which reflects kingdom's close relationship with Pakistan.

Earlier, addressing the members of Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), the Saudi envoy called for greater partnership of private sectors of the two countries. There is enormous scope for expanding our trade and economic relations.

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