Shehbaz Sharif, the Prime Minister, embarks on a journey to London following the completion of his visit to Saudi Arabia.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his delegation are preparing for a significant visit to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, following a state visit to Saudi Arabia.
The visit to the UNGA is expected to include a meeting on the sidelines with Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir. This comes after a warm welcome in Riyadh, where PM Shehbaz Sharif was greeted by Deputy Governor Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz upon arrival.
During his stay in Riyadh, PM Shehbaz Sharif signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia, pledging to treat any aggression against one country as aggression against both. This agreement was signed days after Israel launched a strike towards Qatar.
PM Shehbaz Sharif expressed his gratitude for the warm reception extended to him by Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his visit. He also expressed his appreciation for the Crown Prince's consistent support and his strong interest in expanding Saudi Arabia's investments, trade, and business ties with Pakistan.
In New York, PM Shehbaz Sharif's delegation is expected to stay in two upscale hotels for six nights, with over 40 to 50 people in total. The daily rate for a standard room in these hotels exceeds $1,000, making the hotel costs for the six-night stay expected to surpass $300,000 (Rs8.44 million).
During his time at the UNGA, PM Shehbaz Sharif is set to meet with IMF and World Bank representatives, accompanied by the finance minister. The Pakistani ambassador to the UN will hold a briefing on September 19, and further details are awaited.
Before departing for New York, PM Shehbaz Sharif left for London from Riyadh on Thursday. His state visit to Saudi Arabia was at the invitation of Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.
Upon landing at King Khalid Airport, Riyadh, a 21-gun salute was given to herald PM Shehbaz Sharif's arrival. During his visit, PM Shehbaz Sharif had 'most cordial' talks with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The specific names of the hotels where PM Shehbaz Sharif and his delegation will stay during the UNGA visit have not been disclosed. However, the delegation's accommodations are booked in two upscale hotels in New York with over 28 rooms in one and more than 20 in another.
PM Shehbaz Sharif's special aircraft was escorted by F-15 jets of the Saudi Arabia Royal Air Force as a gesture of warm welcome. Saudi Arabia's armed forces performed a salute in honor of PM Shehbaz Sharif's arrival at King Khalid Airport, Riyadh.
In addition, PM Shehbaz Sharif is likely to hold a meeting with United States President Donald Trump on September 25, sources said. More details on this meeting and the PM's activities at the UNGA are expected to be released in the coming days.
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