Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Embark on Official Visit to Saudi Arabia
Islamabad, The Gulf Observer: The Pakistani foreign office confirmed on Friday that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to undertake an official visit to Saudi Arabia from April 6th to 8th, marking his inaugural foreign trip since assuming office. During his visit, Prime Minister Sharif is anticipated to engage in discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, among other high-ranking Saudi officials.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia share robust ties encompassing trade, defense, and cultural exchange. The Kingdom hosts over 2.7 million Pakistani expatriates and stands as the primary source of remittances to Pakistan, vital for the nation’s economic stability.
In an official statement, the foreign office announced, “The Prime Minister is expected to meet the Crown Prince and Prime Minister HRH Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz to deliberate on matters of mutual interest.” The agenda also includes dialogues on regional and global developments, reflecting the shared commitment of both nations towards fostering cooperation on various fronts.
Accompanying Prime Minister Sharif on this significant diplomatic mission are ministers responsible for finance, economic affairs, defense, and information. Additionally, Prime Minister Sharif intends to perform Umrah and offer prayers at the revered Masjid Nabwi Al-Sharif in Madinah, underscoring the spiritual significance of the visit.
Highlighting the importance of the visit, the foreign office emphasized, “The leadership of both countries is committed to advancing fraternal ties and nurturing mutually beneficial economic and investment relations.”
As of now, the Saudi government has not issued any official statement regarding the visit or its agenda.
Prime Minister Sharif’s last visit to Saudi Arabia occurred during his initial term as Prime Minister in October 2022. During that visit, he held discussions with the crown prince and participated in the Saudi Future Investment Initiative Summit, signifying the enduring ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
