A significant boost in bilateral cooperation and economic partnership of Pakistan with Saudi Arabia and Iran is expected with the impending visit of high-level delegations from both countries.
A high-level delegation, led by Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, is arriving in Islamabad today in a sign of progress in the friendly country's investment of $7 billion in Pakistan. On the other hand, Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi is set to embark on a two-day visit to Pakistan from April 22.
The Saudi visit, a continuation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's recent trip to Saudi Arabia, aims to solidify mutual ties and pave the way for Saudi investment worth $7 billion in Pakistan.
The delegation comprises key Saudi officials from various sectors, including water and agriculture, industry and mineral resources, investment, and a special committee head, according to the Foreign Office spokesperson. Senior representatives from the Ministry of Energy and the Saudi General Investment Fund are also part of the visiting team.
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Expected meetings with President Asif Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, army chief General Asim Munir, and officials from the Special Investment Facilitation Council underscore the breadth of discussions focusing on enhancing economic collaboration and fostering closer ties between the two nations.
The visit is expected to culminate in the signing of several agreements and memorandums of understanding aimed at facilitating Saudi investment in Pakistan. It also aims to boost bilateral cooperation and economic partnership.
In parallel, Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi is set to embark on a two-day visit to Pakistan from April 22, further underscoring the country's diplomatic engagements. The visit, extended on the invitation of the Pakistani president, will involve discussions on a wide array of issues, including security cooperation, a potential free trade agreement, progress on the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline, and strategies to navigate US sanctions.
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According to sources, the dates of the visit were finalized after telephonic communication between the two heads of state. Apart from bilateral issues, Israeli aggression on Gaza and Iran-Israel tension will also be discussed during the visit.
Apart from his Pakistani counterpart, the Iranian president is scheduled to meet with the prime minister and other important personalities. Cooperation in various fields, including security, and free trade agreement between the two countries, will be discussed.
With both high-profile visits on the horizon, Pakistan anticipates further strengthening its regional alliances and advancing its economic interests through enhanced cooperation with its friendly neighbours.
