PM Shehbaz briefs Saudi crown prince on Pakistan-led US–Iran ceasefire talks

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif shared with His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia the recent developments related to Pakistan’s peace efforts that led to the US- Iran ceasefire and the recently held round of historic talks between the US and Iran in Islamabad.

During the meeting, two leaders held detailed discussions on the evolving regional situation, and the PM expressed full solidarity and support for Saudi Arabia in the wake of the recent regional escalation, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a press release today.

“He conveyed deep condolences over the loss of precious lives and said the people of Pakistan stand shoulder to shoulder with their Saudi brethren,” the PMO said.

PM Shehbaz appreciated the exemplary patience and restraint shown by the Kingdom, led by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, whose leadership in the current crisis was a “source of strength for all peace loving people in the Kingdom and beyond”.

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Moreover, the crown prince appreciated the constructive role of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in the peace process.

While exchanging views on bilateral issues, the PM expressed his sincere appreciation for His Royal Highness the Crown Prince for the Kingdom’s consistent support to Pakistan’s economic stability.

“The Prime Minister also highlighted that Pakistan and the Kingdom enjoyed a unique relationship as they were both strategic defense partners under the Pakistan- Saudi Arabia Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement,” the PMO said.

Both leaders expressed their shared commitment for continuing close cooperation on matters of mutual interest.

The PM had arrived in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday at the start of a four-day tour before a possible second round of US-Iran peace talks, his office said in a statement.

He will also visit Qatar and Turkey on his trip, which comes after Washington and Tehran held their highest-level talks in decades in Islamabad last weekend.