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S Arabia will never let Pakistan down: outgoing envoy
 * Awadh Asseri says Saudi support for Pakistan is absolute, eternal
* Says he will build Pakistan’s image in Lebanon as ambassador
By Sajjad Malik
ISLAMABAD: Outgoing Saudi Ambassador Ali Awadh Asseri has said that his country will continue to stick by Pakistan through thick and thin.
“We’ll never let you down. Saudi support for Pakistan is absolute and eternal,” Asseri told a group of journalists during a dinner at his residence on Tuesday.
He said the Saudi friendship and love for Pakistan transcended the official bonds and was part of popular hearts and minds. “If something happens in Pakistan, the common Saudis are disturbed,” he said.
He said the Saudi-Pak friendship was a mission and extremely dear to his heart.
Asseri, who is leaving Pakistan shortly to assume new ambassadorial assignment in Lebanon after a long stay of over nine years, said he did everything in his capacity to improve ties between the two countries.
He said the Saudi-Pak institutional linkages were very strong and could sustain even without official patronage. He, however, said there were areas including education, where bilateral cooperation was needed.
Asseri cherished the memory of his long stay in Pakistan, saying he’ll never forget it. He said his entire family loved Pakistan and would continue loving it despite being away.
“From Islamabad to Beirut may be a lot of miles, but you all will remain very close to my heart and I’ll always remember you with warmth and affection. I’ll remember the love that you showered on me and my family, and the understanding you extended to me in whatever I was doing to bring our two brotherly countries closer,” he said.
He said he would not only act as his country’s ambassador in Lebanon but would also try to build Pakistan’s image.
The outgoing Saudi ambassador also called on the journalists to spread the true message of Islam – a religion of peace. He thanked the media for help during his stay in Pakistan.
Daaily Times:June 18,2009
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