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PM calls for expanding Pak-Saudi ties beyond defence cooperation
Sheikh and members of his high-level delegation at the Prime Minister House on Wednesday. Photo: INP
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for expanding Pakistan’s ties with Saudi Arabia beyond defence cooperation, urging a renewed focus on trade, business, and investment. He said the Kingdom was fully prepared to support Pakistan in advancing this shared economic vision.
According to Express News, the prime minister hosted a luncheon at the PM House in honour of a high-level Saudi delegation on Wednesday. Following the event, PM Shehbaz spoke to the guests, highlighting the strong and enduring ties between the two countries.
“We are gathered here like a family,” said the prime minister, recalling his decades-long political career and earlier visits to the Kingdom. “I first visited Saudi Arabia in the late 1960s. I’ve been there many times since, but the recent trip to Riyadh was unprecedented.”
He praised the unwavering support Saudi Arabia has extended to Pakistan over the years, especially during difficult times, calling the relationship 'unshakeable and based on enduring commitment'.
Referring to the recent defence agreement between the two countries, and termed it as a formalisation of their brotherly ties, the premier stated that the partnership would now focus on economic cooperation.
“Every Muslim is ready to sacrifice life for the protection of the holy sites. Pakistan will always be ready to protect Makkah and Madinah,” he said.
Looking ahead, PM Shehbaz stressed the importance of turning shared economic aspirations into reality. “We will strengthen Pakistan-Saudi ties through business and investment. For this, both nations must work together in close collaboration.”
He added that joint efforts in trade, investment, research, and development would be a key focus going forward. “Today, we have the opportunity to learn from Saudi Arabia, and we must take full advantage of it.” He also lauded the leadership of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, saying, “His visionary leadership has reshaped Saudi society and opened new horizons.”
Speaking on behalf of the Saudi delegation, Prince Mansour bin Mohammed Al Saud, who is leading the visiting team, reaffirmed the Kingdom’s intent to deepen economic ties with Pakistan.
“We are here to attend the Pakistan-Saudi Joint Business Council meeting,” he said, adding that prior to their visit, meetings were held with all key Saudi ministers to discuss potential strategic projects in Pakistan.
The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to deepening their partnership across all sectors, with a shared focus on long-term strategic collaboration.
Prince Mansour assured that Saudi investors would be provided with all necessary facilities to invest in Pakistan, further reinforcing the Kingdom’s readiness to collaborate on long-term economic goals.
Meanwhile, PM Shehbaz also met the chairman of the Saudi Shura Council, Dr Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Sheikh.
The chairman expressed his gratitude for the warm hospitality and termed the defence agreement a milestone in the longstanding relationship between the two nations. He said the agreement reflects the deep-rooted brotherhood between the people of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
He also stressed the importance of further strengthening parliamentary relations and called for increased cooperation between the legislative institutions of both countries.
Both leaders agreed on promoting regular exchanges of parliamentary delegations to build stronger institutional ties and foster mutual understanding.
The prime minister said that Pakistan attaches great importance to its defence agreement with Saudi Arabia, viewing it as a step that will further enhance economic, strategic, defence, and trade relations between the two brotherly countries.
During the PM's recent visit to Riyadh, on the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a landmark 'Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement,' declaring that 'any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both.'
The meeting was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Speaker of the National Assembly Ayaz Sadiq, Federal Minister Sardar Yusuf, and other senior officials.
Source: The Express Tribune
