ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif departed for Riyadh on Monday for a crucial diplomatic engagement with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The high-profile visit is being described as a key opportunity to deepen bilateral relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia at a time when regional and global shifts demand closer cooperation.
According to the Foreign Office, the visit is expected to cover “the entire spectrum” of Pakistan–Saudi relations, ranging from economic collaboration and energy partnerships to defence and strategic matters. Shehbaz Sharif is accompanied by a strong ministerial delegation, including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, among others.
During the trip, the two sides are likely to formalise a number of agreements and MoUs, underlining their shared determination to advance cooperation in trade, investment, and infrastructure. Analysts note that Saudi Arabia remains a pivotal partner for Pakistan, not only in terms of economic support but also in its role within the broader Muslim world.
This is Prime Minister Shehbaz’s second high-level interaction with the Saudi leadership in recent months. In June, he met the crown prince and praised Saudi Arabia’s efforts in promoting regional diplomacy, including its constructive role in mediating tensions. His current visit, however, carries added significance amid pressing economic needs at home and evolving geopolitical realities in the Middle East.
The strengthening of Pakistan–Saudi ties is being seen as both a reaffirmation of historic brotherhood and a practical step towards securing new avenues of collaboration. Experts believe energy security, strategic defence, and investment in key sectors will dominate the discussions in Riyadh.
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