PM leaves for Saudi Arabia on three-day visit today

ISLAMABAD: On the invitation of Prince Mohamed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif will leave for Saudi Arabia on three-day visit today (Thursday).

The Foreign Office (FO) announcing the visit said that this would be the prime minister’s first visit abroad after assuming office earlier this month. The prime minister will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including key members of the cabinet.

However, the Foreign Office did not give any details about this high-level delegation at a time when there are speculations about as to who would be accompanying the prime minister. The number of the members of the delegation is missing as well.

"During the visit, the prime minister will have bilateral interaction with the Saudi leadership, with particular focus on advancing economic, trade and investment ties and creation of greater opportunities for the Pakistani workforce in Saudi Arabia. The two sides will also exchange views on a range of regional and international issues of mutual interest", said the Foreign Office.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are bound by fraternal relationship marked by mutual trust and understanding, close cooperation, and an abiding tradition of supporting each other. The people of Pakistan hold the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in the highest esteem.

"The bilateral relationship is complemented by close mutual collaboration at regional and international fora. Saudi Arabia is a member of the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is home to more than two million Pakistanis, contributing to the progress, prosperity and economic development of the two brotherly countries", added the Foreign Office.

Regular high-level visits are a key feature of this special relationship. The prime minister’s visit to Saudi Arabia will impart a strong impetus to deepening bilateral cooperation in diverse fields and further reinforce the growing partnership between the two countries.