ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Nawaf bin Saeed Al Malki, called on Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Lahore on Thursday, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.
The meeting covered a wide range of topics, including cooperation, economic collaboration, defence partnerships, and the unity of the Muslim Ummah, Pakistan Television (PTV) reported.
During the meeting, the Pakistan Muslim League-N President, Nawaz Sharif, conveyed his heartfelt respect and best wishes for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Both sides reiterated their commitment to deepening the historic political, economic, and defence relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
پاکستان مسلم لیگ ن کے صدر محمد نواز شریف اوروزیر اعلیٰ پنجاب مریم نواز شریف سے سعودی عرب کے سفیر نواف بن سعید المالکی کی ملاقات pic.twitter.com/glLFS243d1
— Rashid Nasrullah (@RashidNasrulah) July 31, 2025
They agreed to enhance defence cooperation through joint training programmes, intelligence sharing, and mutual support initiatives.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz emphasised that Saudi Arabia holds profound spiritual and emotional significance for Muslims around the world.
She said that the Pakistan-Saudi ties are based on mutual trust, shared values, and longstanding brotherhood.
The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia called on President of PML-N Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz. pic.twitter.com/iuicqbDEsn
— PMLN (@pmln_org) July 31, 2025
She noted that Saudi Arabia continues to be a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy, with bilateral relations strengthening across political, economic, and other areas. She also commended the Kingdom’s positive role in advancing regional peace.
Commenting on global cooperation, she acknowledged Pakistan’s signing of the charter of the Saudi-led Global Water Organisation as a founding member, reaffirming its commitment to addressing water-related challenges. She also lauded Saudi Arabia’s efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.
Ambassador of Saudi Arabia meets PML-N President Nawaz Sharif and Chief Minister Punjab.
🇵🇰🇸🇦Discussions held on matters of mutual interest, economic cooperation, and defense partnership.
🇵🇰🇸🇦Nawaz Sharif and the Chief Minister conveyed their best wishes for the Custodian of… pic.twitter.com/mtkN1RUPEb
— PMLN (@pmln_org) July 31, 2025
Addressing regional issues, the Punjab Chief Minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to resolving disputes with India through dialogue, despite aggressive posturing by New Delhi. She referred to the International Arbitration Court’s June 27, 2025, ruling as a reaffirmation of the Indus Waters Treaty.
Maryam Nawaz also voiced hope for Saudi Arabia’s continued support in concluding the Pakistan-GCC Free Trade Agreement. She highlighted the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) as a vital platform for fast-tracking major development initiatives.
It is pertinent to mention that last month, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia. During the trip, he held bilateral talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and discussed a range of issues, including political, trade, and investment ties, the military standoff with India, and the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza.
In recent months, the two nations have signed several agreements focused on enhancing bilateral trade and investment.
Saudi Arabia has pledged a $5 billion investment package to help stabilise Pakistan’s economy, according to a statement issued by Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in April 2024.
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.
