Pakistan, Saudi Arabia reaffirm ‘deep-rooted’ ties during PM Shehbaz-Saudi FM meeting

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday met H.E. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan, Finance Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in Islamabad and discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, and economic development.

The Saudi minister, who was on a one-day visit to the capital, called on the premier at the Prime Minister’s House. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir were also present during the meeting.

During the meeting, the prime minister emphasised Pakistan’s strong commitment to expanding its cooperation with the Kingdom in all spheres, particularly in trade, investment, and economic development, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said.

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“Welcoming the Saudi dignitary, the prime minister conveyed his respectful regards to The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

“The prime minister fondly recalled his recent warm and cordial telephone conversation with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. He expressed appreciation for the Crown Prince’s deep affection towards Pakistan as well as for the Kingdom’s longstanding economic and financial support to Pakistan over the years, that had played a vital role in Pakistan’s economic stability.”

PM Shehbaz reiterated that the people and Government of Pakistan had always stood shoulder to shoulder with their Saudi brothers and sisters at all times, and this was an abiding bond between both countries, that had grown stronger under the patronage of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.

“The Saudi finance minister thanked the prime minister and reaffirmed the resolve of the Saudi Arabia to further strengthen the longstanding deep-rooted fraternal bonds between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, as envisioned by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman,” the PMO said.

The Saudi official’s visit came amid Islamabad is set to host high-level talks between the Unites States and Iran.