ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are partners in progress and prosperity.
In an interview with Al Arabiya English, PM Shehbaz touched upon the strong bonds that exist between the two nations, stating there is no parallel to their historic bilateral relations.
He emphasized that both nations understand each other’s sentiments and share each other’s happiness and grief.
Alluding to the recent engagements between the two nations including the conduct of a joint investment conference, the Prime Minister said this shows the seriousness and sincerity of top Saudi leadership to enhance ties with Pakistan not only in the sphere of diplomacy but also in the field of trade, investments, culture and people to people contacts.
He said that the two countries have identified areas of mutual cooperation both at the level of government to government and business to business. They now have a clear-cut way forward for investment in the areas of mines and minerals and renewable energy.
The prime minister said that Pakistan’s delegation was in Riyadh to specifically materialize investment portfolio in the field of solar energy. Emphasizing this as a pivotal area, he said that significant announcements would be made in solar energy, along with mines and minerals.
Underlining the potential of the agriculture sector, PM Shehbaz expressed confidence that collaborative efforts between the two countries will help enhance agri production including that of vegetables, wheat, fruits, sugarcane and cotton.
The prime minister said that Pakistan was well poised to benefit from Saudi Arabia’s experience and expertise in the field of Information Technology, expressing the confidence that cooperation in the IT sector will further integrate the two nations.
High-level Interactions Between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia
Referring to recent high-level interactions between the two nations, PM Shehbaz mentioned his two meetings with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud in the Kingdom, the visit of the Saudi foreign minister and a Saudi business delegation to Pakistan recently.
Prime Minister Shehbaz said that during his visit to Saudi Arabia, he had the “most comprehensive” discussion with Saudi authorities wherein the two sides agreed to cooperate in various sectors.
The prime minister was highly appreciative of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammad bin Salman, saying his visionary and dynamic leadership has transformed the Kingdom.
He said the Crown Prince’s vision of 2030 was a role model not only for Pakistan but for many nations of the world.
