RIYADH: Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and discussed bilateral relations.
Sharif arrived in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday on a four-day visit with a delegation and was received by Deputy Governor of Mecca Prince Saud.
Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz were also present on the occasion.
The meeting between Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Prince Mohammed bin Salman also discussed the regional and international situation besides Pak-Saudi investment and trade ties.
The two sides underscored the importance of strong and historic relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, and stressed the need for enhanced cooperation in economic, trade, investment, energy and defence sectors.
Prime Minister Sharif appreciated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to increase investment in key sectors of Pakistan. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen defence and security cooperation.
PM Sharif and Prince Salman also discussed the regional situation as well as the political landscape of the region and agreed to work together to promote a shared vision for stability and prosperity in the region.
Prince Salman acknowledged the outstanding services of the Pakistani community in Saudi Arabia and agreed to step up measures for their welfare.
The meeting also reaffirmed the commitment of the two countries to take their partnership to new heights, with emphasis on further strengthening people-to-people contacts, cultural exchanges and educational cooperation.
In a statement issued on social media, the Prime Minister said that he met Saudi Crown Prince and held constructive discussions to promote mutual cooperation, enhance cooperation in the fields of trade, investment, energy and security.
He said that he was grateful to the Crown Prince for Saudi Arabia’s continued cooperation with Pakistan. Saudi Arabia’s contribution to peace in the Middle East and Ukraine is commendable, he added.
