ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif departed on Thursday for a short official visit to Saudi Arabia at the invitation of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.
During the visit, the prime minister is expected to meet the Saudi crown prince to discuss the current regional situation, rising tensions in the Middle East and bilateral relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
According to officials, the talks will focus on regional security developments and cooperation between the two countries on issues of mutual interest.
The visit reflects Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic engagement and its efforts to promote dialogue and stability in the region.
Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi confirmed the trip during the weekly press briefing, stating that the prime minister had left for a one-day visit to the kingdom. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is also accompanying him.
Importance of dialogue
The spokesperson said the visit is part of continued coordination between Islamabad and Riyadh on matters related to regional peace and security.
The trip comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East following US–Israeli strikes on Iran. Pakistan has reiterated its strategic commitment to Saudi Arabia while calling for restraint to prevent a broader conflict in the region.
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also discussed the evolving situation in a telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, stressing the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to maintain peace and stability.
Meanwhile, the prime minister’s spokesperson for foreign media, Mosharraf Zaidi, reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong ties with Saudi Arabia, saying Islamabad would stand by the kingdom if necessary, while continuing efforts to encourage de-escalation in the region.
