Tomorrow, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir will leave for an official visit to Saudi Arabia to enhance bilateral cooperation and discuss important regional matters.
The visit has been scheduled at a time when Pakistan is looking for deeper economic and strategic engagement with Saudi Arabia, its historical ally and one of the biggest sources of foreign investment and financial support to Pakistan.
According to official sources, the delegation will be meeting with Saudi leadership, including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, at the highest level. The two teams will have discussions that focus on investing in Pakistan’s energy and infrastructure sectors. Enhanced security cooperation will also feature in the talks.
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has been one of Pakistan’s most crucial partners, particularly in finance, providing important backstop during important economic pressure. As Pakistan seeks to recover economically, these visits are seen as an important part of that relationship, especially going forward.
Official sources shared that the delegation would be meeting highest levels of Saudi leadership, including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Taking facts in hand, both partners delegate team will be focused on two areas exclusively investing into Pakistan’s energy and infrastructure instilment. There will also be discussions about enhancing security cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
In recent years Saudi Arabia has been a partner of primary importance to Pakistan in finance and has provided an important backstop when recent Pakistan was experiencing important economic pressure. These visits were put into context with Pakistan’s effort to get back on economic footing; and are viewed in that vein especially how the relationship has gone forward.
This is his second official visit to Saudi Arabia. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif first visited Saudi Arabia in April of this year. His Government has a very long-term perspective on building relationships with the Gulf countries, particularly with Riyadh.
In addition to participating in scheduled meetings, the delegation will also complete Umrah on this occasion. At the end of the trip, a joint summary statement is anticipated to be distributed that will encapsulate the trip and important outcomes.
The Foreign Office characterized this visit as “very important” and both sides appear to be thoroughly dedicated to broadening and deepening the traditional and brotherly relationship in all areas.
This visit is a continuation of the ongoing economic reform process as well as regional diplomacy, and another solid opportunity for Pakistan to project foreign confidence in it and build upon its historically framed mutual strategic partnerships.
