Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a significant bilateral meeting on Sunday evening following an Iftar dinner in Makkah and discussed mutual relations and other issues. They reaffirmed their shared commitment to enhancing bilateral relations.

The two leaders also expressed their determination to expedite the Saudi investment package worth $5 billion in Pakistan soon.

The gathering, attended by high-level officials from both nations at Al-Safa Palace in Makkah, focused on bolstering relations across various spheres, including trade, investment, and regional cooperation, according to a joint declaration issued on Monday.

The two sides held a bilateral delegation-level meeting, as well as a one-on-one meeting between PM Sharif and the Saudi crown prince after an Iftar dinner in Makkah. They discussed Pak-Saudi relations, and expressed mutual determination to increase cooperation between the two countries in terms of business and investment. The two leaders also discussed regional and international situations and events in the meeting, the statement added.

وزیر اعظم پاکستان میاں محمد شہباز شریف کی سعودی عرب کے ولی عہد اور وزیر اعظم شہزادہ محمد بن سلمان سے ملاقات
باہمی دلچسپی اور دوطرفہ تعلقات پر گفتگو

وفاقی کابینہ کے ارکان اور وزیراعلی پنجاب مریم نواز شریف بھی موجود pic.twitter.com/wQWL4vG2xm
— Team MNS (@TeamMNSharif) April 7, 2024

The two leaders also discussed regional and global developments of mutual interest, including the worrisome situation in Gaza. They stressed the need for unhindered humanitarian access to the battered region, according to the joint statement.

Both leaders appreciated the upward trajectory of the longstanding fraternal relations between the two countries.

The prime minister also conveyed his prayers and best wishes for the health and well-being of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz. He expressed gratitude for the warm welcome accorded to him and his delegation by the Saudi authorities.

Also Read: MBS hosts Iftar dinner for PM Shehbaz, cabinet members

Earlier, the Saudi crown prince congratulated PM Sharif on assuming office. The premier thanked Saudi Arabia for its unwavering support and hospitality.

Joining the meeting were key figures, including Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, the deputy governor of the Makkah region; and Prince Turki bin Muhammad, a distinguished member of the Saudi Council of Ministers.

Representing Pakistan alongside Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif were Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and federal cabinet ministers.

Amidst the diplomatic discussions, Prime Minister Sharif offered the Maghreb prayer along with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and also performed Umrah with his delegation.

Shehbaz later offered the Isha prayer in Masjid-e-Haram, the grand mosque in Makkah, and participated in the concluding prayer of the holy Quran.

Also Read: PM Shehbaz offers prayers at Masjid-e Nabwi (SAW)

In the meeting, Saudi Arabia's contribution to Pakistan's economy was appreciated, and the prime minister invited the Saudi crown prince to visit Pakistan, which he accepted.

Earlier, Mohammad bin Salman hosted an Iftar dinner for Prime Minister Sharif and his cabinet members. According to details, the Saudi crown prince welcomed the premier and his delegation. The premier and MBS discussed the matters in connection with trade and investment between the two countries.

On Saturday, PM Shehbaz and his cabinet members had reached Saudi Arabia on a commercial flight. Prominent among those included in the government delegation were Ishaq Dar, Khawaja Asif, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Abdul Aleem Khan, Atta Tarar, and Ahad Cheema, and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.