PM Shehbaz, MBS agree to deepen ties across strategic sectors

 

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) held a meeting on Friday, exchanging Eid greetings and reaffirming their commitment to strengthening the deep-rooted relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

According to Saudi media, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir were also present during the meeting.

Discussions focused on expanding cooperation across various sectors. They also reviewed regional developments and the efforts being made to enhance security and stability in the region.

During his meeting with the Crown Prince, the PM expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia's proactive role during recent tensions between Pakistan and India, and its steadfast commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region and beyond.

He underscored Pakistan's policy of responsible restraint in the face of Indian aggression, emphasising that sustainable peace in South Asia is achievable only through dialogue.

On behalf of the government and people of Pakistan, PM Shehbaz commended the Kingdom's hospitality and service to the pilgrims from around the world who are in Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj.

The two leaders also held detailed discussions on the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. They stressed the imperative for the international community to fulfil its moral and legal obligations and reiterated their unwavering support for a just and durable resolution to the Palestinian question, grounded in the Arab Peace Initiative and the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.

Both leaders agreed to further elevate this strategic partnership in accordance with the shared vision of the leadership and the aspirations of the brotherly people of the two countries. They reaffirmed their mutual commitment to deepening the multifaceted relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

PM Shehbaz extended a cordial invitation to the crown prince to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at his earliest convenience, which the MBS graciously accepted.

The crown prince personally received PM Shehbaz, who is on a two-day visit to the kingdom, and even drove him to the royal lunch hosted in his honour at the Royal Court in Mina Palace.

The lunch was attended by key Middle Eastern leaders, Saudi cabinet members, and top military and civilian officials. The two leaders also shared a warm, informal conversation during the gathering.

It is pertinent to mention here that the premier’s grand welcome by the Saudi crown prince and his participation in the luncheon as a special guest is a reflection of the long-standing brotherly relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and Pakistan's diplomatic achievements under the leadership of PM Shehbaz.

After completing his two-day official trip, the premier departed for Pakistan on Friday night.

PM Shehbaz, accompanied by a high-level delegation landed in the kingdom on Thursday at the invitation of his Saudi counterpart and Crown Prince MBS.

PM Shehbaz's visit coincides with ongoing Hajj rituals in the kingdom and the celebration of Eid ul Adha.

Yesterday night, PM Shehbaz, Field Marshal Asim Munir and other members of the delegation performed Umrah.

The door of the Holy Kaaba was specially opened for the delegation. They also offered “Nawafil” and expressed gratitude to Allah Almighty for the victory of “Bunyan-um- Marsoos”.

They offered prayers of thanks for Pakistan’s recent achievements in economic and public welfare domains and also made special supplications for the progress and prosperity of the country.

Prayers were also offered for the oppressed Muslims in IIOJK and Palestine.