Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, focusing on enhancing military cooperation and economic ties. The leaders discussed trade, investment, and welfare measures for the Pakistani community during the four-day official visit from March 19 to 22. Shared interests were recognized, showcasing a deepening bilateral relationship.
During a recent meeting in Jeddah, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed enhancing bilateral ties through military and security collaboration. The meeting focused on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, energy, and security. Attendees included Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
The official visit from March 19 to 22 aims to foster economic relations and promote investment between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. PM Shehbaz expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s commitment to increasing investments in key sectors within Pakistan. Both leaders acknowledged the strengthening economic ties and emphasized military collaboration.
In his remarks, PM Shehbaz praised the mutual friendship and shared vision for prosperity, stating, “Our enduring friendship & shared vision for prosperity is taking our bilateral relations to new heights and transforming it into a mutually beneficial economic partnership.” He also thanked the Crown Prince for Pakistan’s ongoing support.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman recognized the valuable contributions of the Pakistani community in Saudi Arabia, agreeing to enhance welfare measures for them. The leaders highlighted the importance of cultural exchanges and educational cooperation to strengthen ties between their nations.
This visit follows a prior engagement in October 2024, where PM Shehbaz participated in the Future Investment Initiative, resulting in multiple memorandums of understanding worth over $2 billion to enhance trade and investment. The continuation of strong diplomatic relations is evident in ongoing discussions and cooperative initiatives targeted towards mutual economic growth.
Furthermore, PM Shehbaz would spend time in Makkah and Madina during his stay, and he is also set to meet with King Salman bin Abdul Aziz in the coastal city of Jeddah, as part of a cordial invitation from the Saudi Crown Prince.
In summary, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Saudi Arabia underscores the intensifying bilateral relationship focused on economic and military cooperation. Key discussions led to commitments for increased investment in Pakistan and welfare measures for the Pakistani community in Saudi Arabia. The leaders expressed a shared vision of prosperity, promising to elevate their partnership to new levels.
Original Source: www.thenews.com.pk
