Pakistan and Saudi Arabia Strengthen Business and Military Ties in Recent Talks
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss enhancing military and economic ties. The leaders emphasized collaboration in various sectors, including cultural exchanges and welfare initiatives for the Pakistani community in Saudi Arabia. This visit aims to reinforce bilateral relations amid growing investment commitments.
On Thursday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah. They discussed various avenues for enhancing military and security collaboration to strengthen bilateral relations. This meeting, attended by notable figures including Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, took place during Sharif’s four-day official visit aimed at reinforcing economic cooperation between the two nations.
The leaders addressed matters of mutual interest, emphasizing the enhancement of military cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Both leaders expressed their satisfaction with the growing economic ties, with PM Sharif praising Saudi Arabia’s commitment to investing in essential sectors within Pakistan. He articulated, “Our enduring friendship & shared vision for prosperity is taking our bilateral relations to new heights and transforming it into a mutually beneficial economic partnership.”
In addition, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman recognized the significant contributions of the Pakistani community in Saudi Arabia. The discussions included plans to improve the welfare of Pakistani expatriates and promote cultural exchange, educational collaboration, and people-to-people connections.
This visit, which originated from an invitation by the Saudi crown prince, holds significance as PM Sharif is expected to spend time in Makkah and Madina, along with a meeting with King Salman bin Abdul Aziz in Jeddah. It is noteworthy that PM Sharif previously visited Saudi Arabia in October 2024 for the Future Investment Initiative and that recent agreements worth over $2 billion were signed to strengthen bilateral trade and investment.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Saudi Arabia marks a crucial step in fortifying the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relationship, focusing on trade, investment, and military cooperation. The discussions underscored the importance of mutual support, cultural exchange, and enhancing the welfare of the Pakistani community in Saudi Arabia, which reflects a shared vision for continued growth and partnership between the two nations.
Original Source: www.thenews.com.pk
