Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman (MBS) invited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his delegation to an Iftar at Al-Safa Palace here.
After the Iftar dinner, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had a one-on-one meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. During the meeting, Shehbaz conveyed his prayers and best wishes for the health of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and expressed gratitude for the warm welcome from the Saudi authorities.
Both leaders appreciated the strong and longstanding relationship between their countries and vowed to strengthen bilateral ties further. Earlier, Shehbaz Sharif, along with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and members of the federal cabinet, attended the Iftar dinner hosted by the Crown Prince.
During his visit, several development projects were discussed, and bilateral cooperation in various sectors, including agriculture, was emphasized. It was reported that Saudi Arabia is expected to invest $1 billion in the Reko Diq project, showcasing the deep economic ties between the two nations.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have a history of strong fraternal relations rooted in shared religious and cultural values. The Foreign Office statement highlighted the mutual commitment of both countries’ leadership to enhance economic and investment relations.
In addition to the diplomatic engagements, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also took steps towards addressing climate change concerns. He formed a high-level committee to review climate change governance and mechanisms to access climate funds. The committee, chaired by the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, aims to mainstream climate considerations across government operations and integrate them into development agendas and Sustainable Development Goals.
Furthermore, on World Health Day, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated the government’s commitment to providing quality healthcare for all Pakistanis. He emphasized the importance of improving healthcare infrastructure and services, including primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare, as well as preventive measures and medical education.
In his message, the Prime Minister also praised the dedication of healthcare professionals and expressed condolences over the passing of former Punjab Chief Secretary Javed Mehmood.
This visit and the initiatives undertaken reflect the commitment of both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to strengthen their ties and address pressing global issues together.
The initiatives taken during the visit underscore the mutual dedication of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to deepen their cooperation across various fronts. Alongside diplomatic engagements and economic collaborations, efforts to address climate change and enhance healthcare services demonstrate a comprehensive approach towards fostering sustainable development and improving the well-being of their citizens.
As Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit concludes, it leaves behind a promising trajectory for future collaborations between the two nations. With shared goals of prosperity, stability, and progress, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are poised to continue their partnership, contributing positively to regional and global affairs.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Saudi Arabia exemplifies the significance of strong bilateral relations and the potential for fruitful cooperation between nations. As both countries navigate through various challenges and opportunities on the global stage, such visits serve as crucial platforms for dialogue, collaboration, and mutual understanding.
