April 16, 2026 — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday expressed gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s continued support for Pakistan’s economic stability during a meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah, the Prime Minister’s Office said.
The two leaders held a nearly two-hour meeting focused on bilateral relations and the evolving security situation in the Middle East, according to an official statement. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also attended the talks.
Shehbaz conveyed Pakistan’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia in the wake of recent regional tensions, stating that the Pakistani people “stand shoulder to shoulder” with the Kingdom. He also offered condolences over reported loss of life during the escalation.
The prime minister praised what he called Saudi Arabia’s “exemplary patience and restraint” during the crisis, adding that the Crown Prince’s leadership had provided stability in a volatile regional environment.
During the discussions, PM Shehbaz briefed the Saudi leadership on Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, including its facilitation of recent US–Iran engagement and broader attempts to promote regional de-escalation. He referred to Pakistan and Saudi Arabia as strategic defence partners under the bilateral security framework.
The meeting also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s continued financial and economic support for Pakistan, which Islamabad has repeatedly credited as a key factor in maintaining macroeconomic stability during recent years.
Both leaders reviewed the state of bilateral cooperation across political, economic and security domains, and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening ties between the two countries.
Officials said the discussions took place in a “warm and cordial atmosphere,” reflecting longstanding relations between Islamabad and Riyadh.
The meeting comes amid heightened diplomatic activity in the region, with Pakistan positioning itself as a facilitator of dialogue between major international stakeholders.
Analysts say the engagement underscores the strategic importance of Pakistan–Saudi relations at a time of shifting geopolitical alignments and ongoing efforts to stabilize the Middle East.