JEDDAH – Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations have gained new momentum as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. The two leaders discussed ways to boost ties and expand cooperation across multiple sectors.
“We had a most productive discussion on ways to further strengthen Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations in trade, investment, energy, and security,” said PM Shehbaz. He shared these remarks on X after the meeting held on Thursday.
Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also attended the high-level meeting.
The premier arrived in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday. His four-day official visit, from March 19 to 22, aims to deepen bilateral cooperation, enhance economic engagement, and attract investment from the Kingdom.
During the discussions, both leaders reviewed key areas of mutual interest. They agreed to expand military cooperation between Islamabad and Riyadh. The prime minister praised the Kingdom’s efforts in promoting peace in the Middle East and Ukraine.
PM Shehbaz acknowledged the strong economic ties between the two nations. He welcomed Saudi Arabia’s growing commitment to invest in critical sectors in Pakistan.
“Our enduring friendship and shared vision for prosperity is taking Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations to new heights. It is transforming into a meaningful economic partnership,” he said while appreciating the crown prince’s role.
The Saudi Crown Prince praised the role of the Pakistani community in the Kingdom. Both leaders agreed to take more steps for the welfare of overseas Pakistanis. They also highlighted the need to boost cultural ties, educational exchanges, and people-to-people contact.
This visit follows the invitation of the Saudi Crown Prince. PM Shehbaz is also scheduled to meet King Salman bin Abdul Aziz during the trip.
In October 2024, PM Shehbaz visited Saudi Arabia to attend the 8th Future Investment Initiative (FII), held under King Salman’s patronage. That same month, both countries signed MoUs worth over $2 billion to enhance trade and investment. A Saudi delegation led by Investment Minister Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih had visited Islamabad for this purpose.
During his current trip, PM Shehbaz also met Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih and Mohammad Al-Tuwaijri, Head of the Joint Task Force for Economic Engagement. The focus of these meetings was to further economic collaboration and accelerate joint ventures in priority sectors.
The premier highlighted Pakistan’s attractive investment climate and strategic location. He urged Saudi investors to explore opportunities under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). He emphasized potential in energy, infrastructure, agriculture, and technology.
Both sides discussed expanding institutional cooperation to fast-track investment initiatives. Minister Al-Falih reaffirmed the Kingdom’s keen interest in deepening Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations through long-term economic cooperation.
This visit marks another key step in building a robust and mutually beneficial partnership between the two nations.
