A joint statement was issued on Monday following a pivotal meeting between Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
The meeting, which took place at the prestigious Al-Safa Palace, underscored the deep-rooted fraternal ties between the two nations and explored avenues for bolstering collaboration across multiple sectors.
The Crown Prince commenced the proceedings by extending his heartfelt congratulations to Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on his assumption of office. He expressed warm wishes for the Prime Minister’s tenure and lauded Pakistan’s enduring commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. In reciprocation, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif conveyed his gratitude for the Kingdom’s unwavering support and hospitality, reiterating Pakistan’s dedication to fostering closer ties and enhancing economic cooperation.
Central to the discussions was the imperative of enhancing economic cooperation and trade relations. Both leaders underscored the significance of the Kingdom’s supportive role in Pakistan’s economy and reiterated their commitment to expediting the first wave of the $5 billion investment package, previously discussed.
In addition to bilateral economic matters, the leaders engaged in a comprehensive dialogue on regional and global developments of mutual concern. Particularly, they expressed profound concern over the dire situation in Gaza and called for immediate international intervention to halt Israeli military operations, alleviate humanitarian suffering, and ensure unhindered access to humanitarian aid.
Furthermore, the leaders emphasized the urgency of advancing the peace process in accordance with relevant international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative. They reiterated their unwavering support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, affirming their commitment to a just and comprehensive solution to the longstanding conflict.
The meeting also addressed the need for dialogue between Pakistan and India to address outstanding issues, particularly the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. Both leaders underscored the importance of resolving these issues through peaceful means to ensure regional peace and stability.
In a significant gesture, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif extended a formal invitation to the Crown Prince to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at his earliest convenience, a gesture warmly accepted by the Crown Prince.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the enduring bonds of friendship and cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Both sides expressed optimism for the future trajectory of their bilateral relations and pledged to work closely to achieve shared goals of prosperity and stability in the region.
The joint statement marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to deepen the strategic partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, underscoring their shared commitment to regional peace, security, and prosperity.
