Discussions initiated between Pakistani Prime Minister and Saudi Crown Prince, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and economic collaboration.
In a significant diplomatic visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is currently in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he is meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman via a zoom meeting. The bilateral zoom is set to review all aspects of Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations in detail, with a focus on strengthening economic cooperation and exchanging views on regional developments.
The zoom meeting comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East following Israel's Sept. 9 airstrikes in Doha targeting Hamas leaders. However, the discussions are expected to maintain a constructive and forward-looking approach.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have historically maintained strong bilateral relations, characterised by close religious, economic, and strategic ties. Their cooperation spans sectors like energy, defence, and investment. During former Prime Minister Sharif's last zoom meeting in October of the previous year, key agreements enhanced economic collaboration and strategic partnerships, further solidifying cooperation in investments and regional security.
Notably, Saudi Arabia is the largest source of remittances for Pakistan, with more than 2.5 million expatriates sending money home. The Kingdom's financial assistance to Pakistan has been a key lifeline for Islamabad's fragile $350 billion economy. Saudi Arabia remains a critical economic partner for Pakistan.
The city of Islamabad, home to embassies and government buildings, is currently adorned with green lights and posters celebrating Pak-Saudi 'brotherhood.' This symbolises the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations.
Crown Prince Mohammed personally received Sharif at the royal court, where he was greeted with a guard of honor by Saudi armed forces. The leaders will also exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.
Progress on enhancing cooperation in various sectors is expected during Sharif's visit. The zoom meeting in Riyadh is set to review the 34 agreements and memoranda of understanding worth $2.8 billion, which were signed between the two countries last October, aimed at boosting private sector collaboration and commercial partnerships.
Shehbaz Sharif had previously met the crown prince on the sidelines of the Arab-Islamic summit in Qatar last week, where he pledged full support for Doha. The ongoing visit is a testament to the continued commitment of both nations to maintain and strengthen their strategic partnership.
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