The two leaders were set to engage in comprehensive talks focusing on bilateral ties, economic cooperation and key regional developments
MM Report
JEDDAH: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Jeddah on Thursday on an official visit to Saudi Arabia, as Islamabad and Riyadh looked to further deepen their longstanding partnership in economic, diplomatic and strategic fields.
The visit had been arranged at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The two leaders were expected to hold detailed discussions on bilateral relations, economic cooperation and regional developments.
Upon his arrival at Jeddah airport, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was warmly received by Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Makkah, and Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Engineer Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadli.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmad Farooq and senior diplomatic officials were also present at the airport to welcome the prime minister and his delegation. During the visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was scheduled to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The talks were expected to focus on reviewing progress in ongoing cooperation between the two countries and exploring new avenues to expand their partnership. The meeting came at a time when regional developments had created fresh challenges for countries across the Middle East and South Asia.
Both sides were likely to exchange views on issues of mutual concern, including regional stability, security and economic cooperation. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have maintained close relations for decades, with their partnership extending beyond diplomatic engagement into areas including trade, investment, energy, defence and people-to-people ties.
The leadership of both countries has repeatedly expressed commitment to strengthening these relations further. During his stay, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was also scheduled to perform Umrah and visit the Prophet’s Mosque (peace be upon him) in Medina Munawwarah.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Federal Minister Attaullah Tarar and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi accompanied the prime minister during the visit.
The visit reflected the continued importance attached by both countries to their historic relationship. It also highlighted efforts to build a broader strategic partnership focused on economic growth, regional cooperation and shared interests.
