ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed Pakistan’s deep appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s steadfast support and generous assistance to the country, and its pivotal role in promoting peace and stability in the region.
He made the remarks during a meeting with Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, who paid him a farewell call at the PM House in Islamabad after completion of his official tenure in the country, said a statement issued by the PM House’s media wing, the Office (PMO).
The Prime Minister congratulated the Saudi Ambassador on the successful completion of his official assignment.
He lauded the outgoing Ambassador for his outstanding contribution towards further strengthening the deep-rooted fraternal and strategic ties between Islamabad and Riyadh.
Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan H.E. Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki pays a farewell call on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. Islamabad, 27 August, 2026. pic.twitter.com/fSzrUmFWBq
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) August 27, 2026
“The Prime Minister conveyed his warmest regards and best wishes for the health and well-being of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” the statement said.
Ambassador Al-Malki conveyed his sincere appreciation to the Prime Minister and the Government of Pakistan for the warmth, cooperation, and hospitality extended to him during his tenure in the country.
Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan, H.E. Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, paid a farewell call on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif at the PM House, Islamabad, after completion of his official tenure in Pakistan.
The Prime Minister congratulated the Saudi… pic.twitter.com/mkV8TUDHD7
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) August 27, 2026
He described his time in Pakistan as a memorable and rewarding experience and reaffirmed his commitment to further strengthening the enduring fraternal ties between the two countries.
The Prime Minister, in turn, conveyed his best wishes to Ambassador Al-Malki for continued success and prosperity in his future endeavours.
Frequent high-level exchanges
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have substantially deepened their economic engagement over the past two years through frequent high-level exchanges and the work of the Supreme Coordination Council and the Bilateral Finance Group.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye signed a Joint Defence Pact on August 7, 2026, establishing a collective security framework under which an armed attack against any one member is considered an attack against all three.
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Riyadh remains one of Islamabad’s key economic partners, extending financial support, investment commitments and cooperation in areas including energy security and economic development.
Largest source of remittances
The Kingdom remains the country’s largest source of remittances and hosts more than 2.5 million Pakistani expatriates, highlighting the depth of economic and people-to-people ties between the two countries.
Riyadh remains one of Islamabad’s largest suppliers of oil on deferred payment terms and has repeatedly placed deposits with the State Bank of Pakistan to help strengthen the country’s foreign exchange reserves.
Last month, Saudi Arabia extended its $5 billion financial support for Pakistan until 2029, providing a major boost to the country’s external financing position.
