Gilani reaches Saudi Arabia

ISLAMABAD - Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani left Friday for three-day official visit to Saudi Arabia. Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Federal Minister for Defence Ch Ahmad Mukhtar and Federal Minister for Water and Power Raja Pervaiz Ashraf are also part of the Prime Minister's entourage. It was interesting to note that after over a decade, the top Army brass was present at the airport to see off the Prime Minister. Chief of Army Staff Gen Kayani, Chairman JCSC Gen Tariq Majeed and Chief of Air Staff Tanvir Mahmood Ahmad and other high-ranking civil officials were present at the airport. The sources in the government said that though there was no officials statement regarding Asif Ali Zardari's joining the prime minister in Saudi Arabia, but he is likely to be part of the Pakistani team holding negotiation with the Saudi government for moratorium on payment of petroleum supplies to steer the Pakistan out of economic crisis. APP adds: Yousuf Raza Gilani arrived in Madina Friday on a three-day official visit to Saudi Arabia to discuss with its leaders close economic cooperation and further strengthening of their  bilateral ties.

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