Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Wednesday, with both sides expressing satisfaction with the growing economic collaboration between their countries.
“Honored to meet his Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in Jeddah today,” the prime minister wrote on X after the meeting. “We had a most productive discussion on ways to further strengthen Pakistan-Saudi Arabia ties in trade, investment, energy and security,” he added.
Noting that he had thanked the Saudi leader for the Gulf kingdom’s consistent support to Pakistan, he said the two countries’ “shared vision” is transforming bilateral ties into a mutually beneficial economic partnership. He said he had also appreciated MBS’s pivotal role in efforts to achieve peace in the Middle East and Ukraine.
An official handout issued by the Prime Minister’s Office said Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Gen. Asim Munir and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had accompanied the premier during the meeting. “The meeting reaffirmed the strong and historic ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, with discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in economic, trade, investment, energy and defense sectors,” it added.
According to the statement, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening defense and security cooperation. It said both leaders had discussed the evolving regional situation as well as geopolitical landscape. “They agreed to work closely at all levels for promoting their shared vision for peace, stability and prosperity in the region,” it added.
The Saudi Crown Prince, read the statement, acknowledged the significant contributions of the Pakistani community in Saudi Arabia and agreed to enhance measures to facilitate their welfare. “Both leaders emphasized the need to further strengthen people-to-people ties, cultural exchanges, and educational collaboration,” it said.
The statement noted the premier and the crown prince had reaffirmed their commitment to elevating bilateral ties with mutual respect, shared interests, and a common vision for progress and prosperity.
The prime minister and his delegation reached Saudi Arabia on Wednesday for a four-day official visit that concludes on March 22. According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office, the visit underscores the deep-rooted historical relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. It said the trip would pave the way for increased mutual understanding, enhanced cooperation in trade, investment and greater diplomatic coordination on bilateral, regional and global matters.