ISLAMABAD: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, who is on two-day official visit to Islamabad, said that Pakistan would progress under Prime Minister Imran’s leadership.
Expressing confidence in PTI-led government, Prince Mohammad said that the first phase of $20 billion Saudi investment in the country has been completed, adding that Pakistan is going to be an important regional player in the future, and the Kingdom will not leave any stone unturned in extending support to the “brotherly country”.
In his address at the inaugural session of the Supreme Coordination Council, The crown prince Mohammad said: "We have been a brotherly country to Pakistan. We have walked together in tough and good times and will continue the same [in future].”
He added, “We believe Pakistan is going to be very very important country in the future and we want to be sure we are part of that.”
PM Imran
Speaking on the occasion, PM Imran said both nations had taken their relationship to “the next level” with investment in different fields such as tourism.
“The future is exciting for both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia after joining hands,” he said, adding that, the crown prince has been given a rousing reception on his arrival which is testament to his popularity.
Khan also requested Crown Prince to have prospecting Hajj pilgrims be allowed to complete their immigration in Pakistan and not in Saudi Arabia.
The premier also asked the MBS to look into the 3,000 Pakistanis languishing in the Kingdom’s jails.
MoUs
Pakistan and Saudia Arabia signed seven MoUs, agreements and executive programmes at a signing ceremony witnessed by the prime minister and Prince Mohammed.
The agreements reportedly cover areas including mineral resources, investment in refining and petro chemical sectors, power generation, development of renewable energy projects, and cooperation in the field of youth and sports.
PM Interview with a Saudi media outlet
Earlier, Prime Minister Imran Khan, during an interview with a Saudi media outlet, said that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman’s visit to Pakistan is a manifestation of the strength of bilateral ties, adding: “This longstanding, firm and close relationship extends to all spheres – political, economic, and diplomatic.”
The generous deposit of $3 billion and supply of oil on deferred payment is reflective of the desire of the kingdom to see a strong, vibrant and prosperous Pakistan, Premier Imran maintained.
To a question about Pakistan-China Gwadar project in terms of whether Pakistan would benefit from it or will it only play the role of a corridor, the prime minister said: “The CPEC will not just be a corridor, as is indicated by our government’s focus on the next phase of CPEC where we are going to focus on the Special Economic Zones.”
A Saudi oil refinery planned in Gwadar would help boost local production and local energy market, PM added.
This is the first official visit of the dignitary to Pakistan since his elevation to the position of Crown Prince in April 2017.
During his visit, Mohammad bin Salman will meet President Dr Arif Alvi, and Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa.
Earlier Sunday, Crown prince Mohammad was greeted with a booming 21-gun salute and was warmly embraced by Khan and army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa as he stepped onto a red carpet flanked by an honour guard at Nur Khan airbase near Islamabad.