Saudi envoy returns from Riyadh after consultation

ISLAMABAD: No hurdle is coming in the way of big Saudi investment in Pakistan and the much-awaited visit of Kingdom’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Muhammad bin Salman (MBS) to Islamabad.

Saudi ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Malikiy has returned Islamabad after a week of hectic engagements in Riyadh where he had extensive consultations with the high-ups of the Royal administration.

The Saudi envoy has returned here with the pledge that Saudi Arabia would stand by Pakistan through thick and thin in all round manner to stabilize its economy. Ambassador Nawaf Al- Malikiy left for Saudi capital last week soon after his meeting with an important federal minister, who departing traditions, visited the Saudi mission to have a call on the ambassador.

Well-placed diplomatic sources told The News on Monday that Ambassador Nawaf bin Al-Malikiy enjoyed tremendous respect in the royal administration for his dedicated role in improvement of the two-way ties of two brother Islamic countries. He is viewed as one of the most popular diplomats in Pakistan and known for his contribution towards removing the stumbling blocks coming in way of improvement in relations.

It was Ambassador Nawaf’s skill that the relations of Pakistan-Saudi Arabia could sail through in difficult times of 2018-2022. Sources said Ambassador Nawaf had worked hard for making the visit of Crown Prince and Prime Minister of his country Muhammad bin Salman to Pakistan certain.

The visit would greatly help Pakistan expand its economic ties with the Kingdom and pave the way for unprecedented Saudi investment in Pakistan. Ambassador Nawaf would have significant meetings with the high-ups concerned including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar and Foreign Secretary Dr. Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi.

Senator Dar, who is spearheading the efforts of the MOFA for ensuring huge external investment from the brotherly and friendly countries, is appreciative of the role of Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malikiy in this regard.

Sources said the visit of Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman had been briefly delayed due to technical reasons and it was highly likely that the much-awaited visit would be worked out next month soon after Eidul Azha. The crown prince will be the guest of honour in Pakistan during the latter part of July to conclude huge projects for Saudi investment in Pakistan, the sources said.