Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepening the strategic partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
The two leaders held a high-level meeting during the prime minister’s official visit, where they discussed bilateral cooperation and key regional developments.
A major focus of the conversation was the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Both leaders emphasized the responsibility of the international community to respond effectively and called for a just and lasting resolution to the Palestinian issue.
Prime Minister Shehbaz appreciated the excellent arrangements made by the Saudi leadership for Hajj and extended special recognition to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince for their services to the Muslim world.
During the meeting, the PM also briefed Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the rising tensions between Pakistan and India, stressing that Pakistan responded to Indian aggression strictly in self-defense. He reiterated that sustainable peace in South Asia is only possible through meaningful dialogue.
Both sides expressed satisfaction over the growing cooperation between the two nations in various sectors and agreed to further enhance their multi-faceted relations in line with the leadership’s shared vision and the aspirations of their people.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended a formal invitation to the Saudi Crown Prince to visit Pakistan, which was graciously accepted. The leaders agreed to expand the strategic partnership and to continue working closely for regional peace, stability, and prosperity.
As the PM concluded his visit, he was seen off at Jeddah Airport by Governor of Jeddah, Prince Saud bin Abdullah Jalawi, Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Maliki, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmed Farooq, and other senior diplomatic officials.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at Mina Palace, where the two leaders exchanged Eid greetings and held wide-ranging discussions on mutual interests and regional developments. The PM was hosted as a special guest at a luncheon by Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom, Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, at the Royal Court.
In a symbolic gesture, the Saudi crown prince personally received the prime minister and drove him to the Royal Court for the luncheon. During the event, Crown Prince MBS extended a heartfelt welcome to Prime Minister Sharif, and the two leaders engaged in informal discussions in a cordial setting.
The meeting, held in a cordial atmosphere, focused on further strengthening bilateral relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to expanding cooperation in diverse sectors, including trade, investment, and regional security.
Sources said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked the Saudi leadership for its constructive role in helping de-escalate recent tensions between Pakistan and India. He appreciated Riyadh’s continued support for peace and stability in South Asia.
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Discussions also touched on the evolving security situation in the region.
An official statement stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s grand reception and participation in the luncheon as a special guest reflected the historic and brotherly ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, as well as the success of Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts under his leadership.
Prominent members of the Pakistani delegation present at the meeting included Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar.
The Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan, Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki, also attended the high-level meeting.
The luncheon was also attended by prominent leaders from across the Middle East, senior members of the Saudi cabinet, and high-ranking officials from the Kingdom’s civil and military leadership.
On Thursday night, Prime Minister Sharif and army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, along with their delegation, performed Umrah. In a rare honour, the doors of the Holy Kaaba were especially opened for the Pakistani delegation. PM Sharif and the army chief offered special prayers inside the Kaaba, expressing gratitude to God for Pakistan’s recent achievements, particularly in economic stability and public welfare.
Special prayers were also offered for the development and prosperity of Pakistan, unity of the Muslim Ummah, and relief for oppressed Muslims, especially in Kashmir and Palestine.
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