Ahsan Iqbal and Saudi Ambassador discuss stronger institutional ties, investment, education, technology and synergies between URAAN Pakistan and Saudi Vision 2030.
Islamabad, November 5, 2026: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in economic development, investment, education, technology and human resource development.
The understanding was reached during a meeting between Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal and Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Rajeh Tami Albugami.
Both sides discussed expanding cooperation in development planning and exploring new opportunities for collaboration between the two countries.
Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations were based on shared faith, mutual trust and strong people-to-people ties. He stressed the need to transform the longstanding friendship into sustainable partnerships in trade, investment, knowledge and technology.
The meeting also discussed strengthening institutional cooperation between Pakistan’s Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives and Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Economy and Planning.
The federal minister highlighted opportunities to align URAAN Pakistan with Saudi Vision 2030, saying both development frameworks offered significant potential for economic cooperation, human resource development and private-sector participation.
He said exchanging experiences in development planning and successful policy reforms could help both countries achieve their national development priorities.
“Our endeavour is to build a strong economic partnership on the solid foundations of Pakistan-Saudi Arabia friendship, creating new opportunities for development and prosperity for the people of both countries, particularly their youth,” Iqbal said.
Ambassador Albugami reaffirmed the longstanding friendship between the two countries and emphasised strategic alignment, comprehensive planning and sustained institutional engagement.
He also highlighted opportunities for greater cooperation in investment, private-sector development, economic affairs and tourism, expressing confidence in further strengthening bilateral relations.