JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Jeddah on Thursday for a two-day official visit to Saudi Arabia at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
Upon arrival in Jeddah, the Prime Minister was received by the Governor of Jeddah, Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi, Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, Pakistani Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmed Farooq and senior diplomatic officials.
The Prime Minister and the Pakistani delegation left Jeddah for Makkah to perform Umrah. He will spend Eid al-Adha in Saudi Arabia.
On the day of Eid al-Adha, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will hold a special meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
During their meeting, the two leaders will discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation in key areas such as trade and investment between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, the welfare of the Muslim Ummah, and regional peace and security, Radio Pakistan reported.
The Prime Minister will also express gratitude to the Saudi leadership for its constructive role in de-escalating the recent Pakistan-India tensions.
A high-level delegation is also accompanying the Prime Minister during his visit to the Kingdom. Federal Cabinet members and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir are part of the Prime Minister’s delegation.
This visit underscores the deep-rooted, time-tested ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, anchored in shared faith, mutual respect, and strategic partnership.
It reaffirms the leadership’s commitment to deepening economic and diplomatic engagement, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and Pakistan’s development priorities, Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson said on Wednesday.
“Prime Minister Sharif’s visit is expected to further solidify Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations and open new avenues for multifaceted collaboration,” the spokesperson added.
Saudi Arabia presents a key export opportunity for Pakistani businesses, given its strong consumer demand and ambitious Vision 2030 economic reforms that emphasize diversification and foreign investments.
Pakistan has a 2.7 million-strong diaspora in Saudi Arabia, which accounts for the highest remittance inflow, a crucial lifeline for the country’s economy.
