Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh, where the two leaders held constructive discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation across key sectors, including trade, investment, energy, and security.

In a statement on social media, PM Shehbaz expressed gratitude to the Saudi leadership for its continuous support to Pakistan, emphasizing that the longstanding friendship between the two nations is growing stronger through a shared vision of prosperity. He noted that robust bilateral relations are now translating into deeper economic partnerships.

During the high-level meeting, attended by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, both sides reiterated the importance of their historical ties. The discussions focused on enhancing economic, trade, investment, and defense cooperation. PM Shehbaz praised Saudi Arabia’s commitment to increasing investment in key sectors in Pakistan.

Both leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening defense and security collaboration, with an emphasis on regional stability.

The meeting covered key geopolitical issues, including developments in the Middle East and Ukraine. PM Shehbaz lauded Saudi Arabia’s role in promoting peace in the region and globally.

MBS showers support for Pakistani community in Saudi Arabia

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman acknowledged the contributions of the Pakistani community in Saudi Arabia, and both leaders agreed to enhance measures for their welfare. They also emphasized strengthening cultural exchanges, educational collaboration, and people-to-people ties.

Commitment to stronger partnership

PM Shehbaz and the Saudi Crown Prince reaffirmed their determination to elevate their strategic partnership to new heights, working together for regional stability, economic growth, and mutual prosperity.

PM Shehbaz Sharif Arrives in Jeddah for Four-Day Official Visit

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Jeddah on Wednesday for a four-day visit to Saudi Arabia, aimed at strengthening bilateral trade and fostering economic collaboration between the two nations, according to a statement from his office.

Upon his arrival, the prime minister was received by Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, the deputy governor of Makkah. During his visit, Sharif is expected to meet Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman to discuss trade promotion, key sector partnerships, and broader economic cooperation.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have been enhancing business-to-business (B2B) collaboration, with both sides announcing 34 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and agreements worth $2.8 billion during Sharif’s visit to Riyadh last October. These agreements focus on boosting private-sector partnerships and commercial ventures.

Saudi Arabia remains a crucial economic partner for Pakistan, not only in terms of trade but also due to its 2.7 million-strong Pakistani diaspora, which contributes the highest share of remittance inflows to Pakistan. The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 reforms, emphasizing economic diversification and foreign investment, present new opportunities for Pakistani businesses.

Last month, Pakistan’s commerce minister, Jam Kamal Khan, inaugurated the first-ever solo “Made in Pakistan” exhibition in Jeddah, underscoring the strong trade potential between the two nations. Over the past five years, 1.7 million Pakistani workers have migrated to Saudi Arabia, making it the top destination for Pakistani emigrants.

High-Level Delegation Accompanies PM

Sharif is accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, key federal ministers, and senior officials. The delegation is set to engage with Saudi counterparts to explore new investment avenues and economic partnerships.

The PMO emphasized that this visit will reinforce the deep historical ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia while paving the way for enhanced trade, investment, and diplomatic cooperation on bilateral, regional, and global fronts.