Islamabad: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif is set to meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman today in Riyadh during an official state visit, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said.
Sharif, accompanied by senior members of his cabinet, will hold bilateral talks with the Crown Prince in Riyadh. According to the statement, the two leaders will “review the entire spectrum of Pakistan–Saudi Arabia relations” and exchange views on “regional and global developments of mutual interest.”
The ministry said the visit is likely to “result in the formalisation of cooperation in diverse fields, reflecting the shared commitment of both sides to further enhance and deepen their longstanding fraternal ties.”
“Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy a historic relationship, rooted in shared faith, values, and mutual trust,” the statement added.
Focus on Strengthening Ties
A Pakistan government official said that the trip will provide “an important opportunity to the two leaders to consolidate the partnership, while exploring new avenues of collaboration, for the benefit of the peoples of the two countries.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and other senior officials would accompany the prime minister.
The latest situation in the Middle East, and issues related to the Muslim Ummah are expected to be the focus of talks.
It would be the second meeting between the two leaders within three days. Prime Minister Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince met in Qatar on the sidelines of the joint Arab- OIC summit on Monday.
During a visit in October 2024, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed 34 memoranda of understanding and agreements valued at $2.8 billion.
