Saudi Arabia to join CPEC as 3rd strategic partner

ISLAMABAD: Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry has said that Saudi Arabia will be joining China Pakistan Economic Corridor as third ‘Strategic Partner’.

Addressing a press conference following Prime Minister Imran Khan return from Saudi Arabia, Fawad Chaudry said, “Saudi Arabia will invest in CPEC and will be third Strategic Partner in it.”

He said Pakistan has invited Saudi Arabia to join CPEC as the 3rd strategic partner. “Saudi Arabia is the third country which has been invited to join CPEC.”

He said Saudi participation in this mega project will ensure huge investment in Pakistan through this platform. 

Saudi Finance and Energy Ministers will visit Pakistan in the first week of October, Chaudhry said.

“Pakistan and Saudia will stand together at all times,” the minister said and added that PM Imran Khan has assured Riyadh that Pakistan will stand with Saudi Arabia.

The Minister added PM Imran Khan's visit to the United Arab Emirates has ended coldness in the relationship between the two countries.

He said a delegation from the UAE will also visit Pakistan next month to find ways to expand economic relations between the two countries. 

Fawad Chaudhry, responding to a question about release of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz and Captain (retd) Safdar from jail after suspension of their sentences in Avenfield reference, said the government respects the judiciary and its verdicts, and it will also implement all court judgments.

He asserted the people who have looted the national exchequer and stashed money abroad will be held accountable.