RIYADH/ RAWALPINDI: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh on Monday, where the two leaders discussed bilateral relations, regional matters, and issues of mutual interest, and also discussed ways to further expand trade, investment, and economic ties. PM Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Saudi Arabia earlier in the day on three-day official visit, along with a delegation to attend the 9th Future Investment Initiative Conference. He is visiting the kingdom on the special invitation of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Following his meeting with the Crown Prince, PM Shehbaz, in a post on social media platform X, said, “We reaffirmed the enduring strength of the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia brotherly bonds and discussed ways to further expand this historic and time-tested partnership in trade, investment, and economic cooperation.”
He said, “It was a great pleasure and honour to meet my brother, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in Riyadh today,” he said, adding, “I remain deeply grateful for His Royal Highness’s personal commitment and resolute support in advancing our shared vision for deeper collaboration and prosperity for our two nations and peoples.”
Upon his arrival at the Al Yamamah Palace, MBS warmly welcomed PM Shehbaz and his accompanying delegation. Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir was also present in the meeting.
During the meeting between PM Shehbaz and Saudi Crown Prince, both sides also exchanged views on regional and international developments.
Pakistan’s top civil and military leadership is actively engaging on the global stage to strengthen the country’s economy and strategic partnerships, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif currently on an official visit to Saudi Arabia and Army Chief General Asim Munir in Jordan. Also, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), called on Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, on Monday.
The high-level visits reflect Islamabad’s concerted diplomatic outreach aimed at deepening economic cooperation, attracting investment, and reinforcing Pakistan’s bilateral and regional ties amid evolving global and regional dynamics.
Upon arrival at King Khalid International Airport, Deputy Governor of Riyadh Prince Mohammed bin Abdur-Rahman bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Maliki, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmed Farooq welcomed the Prime Minister and the Pakistani delegation.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistants Tariq Fatemi and Bilal bin Saqib are part of the high-level delegation accompanying the PM. PM Shehbaz will represent Pakistan at the Future Investment Initiative Conference.
During his stay, the Foreign Office said that PM Shehbaz will engage with the Saudi leadership to explore avenues for enhanced cooperation in the trade, investment, energy, and human resource sectors. The discussions will also cover regional and global issues of mutual interest and concern.
On the sidelines of FII9, the prime minister will also interact with leaders from other participating countries and heads of international organisations, the FO added. “These exchanges will highlight Pakistan’s investment potential and its readiness to pursue collaborations in sustainable development, in line with the ‘Think, Exchange, and Act’ model.”
“This visit underscores Pakistan’s commitment to advancing economic diplomacy and fostering strategic partnerships in investment, technology, and sustainable development,” the FO concluded.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have moved to further deepen their longstanding relationship by expanding cooperation beyond traditional areas of engagement, following a series of agreements signed over the past year.
During PM Shehbaz’s visit to Riyadh on September 18, both countries signed a landmark defence pact. As per the agreement, an attack on one nation will be considered an attack against both.
On the other hand, Field Marshal Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), who is on an official visit to Jordan, called on King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein, King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and the Supreme Commander of the Jordan Armed Forces. Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II was also present during the meeting.
During the meeting, both dignitaries discussed matters of mutual interest, with particular focus on enhancing bilateral cooperation in defence and security, and exchanging perspectives on regional developments.
The COAS conveyed warm regards from the people, government and armed forces of Pakistan to the King and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening fraternal ties with Jordan.
King Abdullah II appreciated the professionalism and contributions of the Pakistan armed forces towards regional peace and stability and expressed his desire to further strengthen defence collaboration between the two brotherly countries.
Earlier, Field Marshal Asim Munir also called on Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Jordan Armed Forces (JAF), Major General Yousef Ahmed Al-Huneiti, at the General Headquarters, Amman. The field marshal was warmly welcomed and presented with a Guard of Honour at his arrival at the General Headquarters.
During the visit, both dignitaries reaffirmed the deep-rooted and historic ties between the armed forces of Pakistan and Jordan. Major General Yousef Ahmed Al-Huneiti also acknowledged Pakistan armed forces’ remarkable contributions towards peace and regional security.
Separately, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), while on an official visit to Bangladesh, called on Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, on Monday.
He also met Bangladesh Admiral Mohammad Nazmul Hassan, Chief of Naval Staff, Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, Chief of Air Staff and Lieutenant General S M Kamrul Hassan, Principal Staff Officer (PSO), Armed Forces Division of Bangladesh.
During the separately-held meetings, both sides held detailed discussion on the evolving global and regional environment and security situation and recognised the importance of strengthening bilateral defence and security cooperation.
The Chairman JCSC reaffirmed Pakistan’s appreciation for its longstanding fraternal ties with Bangladesh and highlighted the shared resolve to further deepen these relations on the basis of sovereign equality and mutual respect.
Both sides expressed optimism about improving defence and security collaboration and reaffirmed their commitment to expanding military-to-military engagements and related initiatives.
The CJCSC also visited School of Infantry and Tactics, Sylhet and interacted with faculty and students. The civil-military leadership of Bangladesh appreciated the high professional standards of Pakistan armed forces and their achievements and sacrifices in fight against terrorism. Earlier, upon arrival at Senakunjo, a smartly turned-out military contingent presented ‘Guard of Honour’ to the CJCSC and he also laid wreath at Shikha Anirban.