Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman today during a state visit to Saudi Arabia. The meeting aims to strengthen bilateral relations and discuss key regional and global developments, according to the Pakistan Foreign Office.
Focus on Trade, Investment, and Economic Cooperation
Sharif’s visit continues Pakistan’s efforts to enhance economic and strategic ties with Saudi Arabia. Since taking office, the Prime Minister has visited the Kingdom multiple times, including twice this year, to boost trade, investment, and commercial partnerships.
In October last year, both countries signed 34 MoUs and agreements worth $2.8 billion, promoting private sector collaboration and long-term economic growth.
Context: Rising Middle East Tensions
The visit comes amid heightened volatility in the Middle East, where Israel has expanded military operations targeting regional nations, including Iran and Qatar. The recent airstrike on Qatar occurred as its leadership facilitated ceasefire and hostage negotiations between Israel and Hamas.
Earlier this week, Sharif also met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the emergency Arab-Islamic summit in Doha, which was convened in support of Qatar following Israel’s attacks.
Objectives of the State Visit
The Foreign Office highlighted the purpose of the visit:
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Exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest
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Formalize cooperation across diverse sectors
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Strengthen historic fraternal ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia
“This visit provides an important opportunity for both leaders to consolidate the unique partnership and explore new avenues of collaboration for the benefit of the peoples of both countries,” the statement said.
Strategic Importance of Saudi-Pakistan Relations
Pakistan regards Saudi Arabia as a close strategic partner. The Kingdom has provided crucial support during Pakistan’s economic challenges, including external financing and IMF assistance.
Saudi Arabia also remains the largest source of remittances for Pakistan, with over 2.5 million expatriates, helping to sustain Pakistan’s $350 billion economy amid macroeconomic pressures.
