Riyadh, 27 October 2021 (TDI): Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, met Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Muhammad bin Salam bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud. The meeting took place on 25 October on sidelines of the Middle East Green Initiative (MGI) Summit.
The meeting marked a discussion of matters of mutual interest and developments in Afghanistan.
Prime Minister lauds Vision 2030 and green initiatives of Saudi Arabia
Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Imran Khan appreciated the Crown Prince on remarkable progress and development of the Kingdom. He also lauded ‘Vision 2030’ of Saudi Arabia which focuses on transforming the socio-economic fabric of the country.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister congratulated Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman on successful organization of the Middle East Green Initiative (MGI) Summit. He said the Summit demonstrates commitment of Saudi leadership in tackling the issue of climate change.
Moreover, Prime Minister Imran Khan remarked that Saudi Green Initiative and MGI Summit align closely with Pakistan’s initiatives ‘Clean Green Pakistan’ and ‘Ten Billion Tree Tsunami’. He assured Pakistan’s support to the country in its efforts for climate change.
Pak-Saudi Relations
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia share cordial diplomatic relations based on mutual trust, solidarity, and an abiding tradition of supporting each other. The two countries signed the Friendship Treaty in 1951 which laid the basis for bilateral cooperation. Both countries are leading members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
During the meeting, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s unwavering support to Pakistan at every critical juncture. He pledged to further enhance relations with the Kingdom at all levels.
Both leaders agreed to further diversify the bilateral relations between the two countries.
Developments in Afghanistan
Sharing his views on Afghanistan, Prime Minister Imran Khan stressed on ‘active and constructive’ engagement of international community with the Afghan leadership.
Furthermore, he pointed out the deteriorating human rights situation in Kabul and urged the world to provide humanitarian assistance to the country. The Prime Minister also expressed hope that the international community will make consolidated efforts in averting a humanitarian and economic crisis in Afghanistan.
Prime Minister’s engagements in Saudi Arabia
Prime Minister Imran Khan went on a three-day (23 to 25 October) official visit to Saudi Arabia. He was accompanied by a high-level delegation and Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Shah Mahmood Qureshi. During the visit, the Prime Minister:
- Addressed Pakistan-Saudi Investment Forum. He emphasized engaging the private sector to fortify the economic relationship. He also said the government is working to ensure an investment friendly environment..
- Addressed the Middle East Green Initiative Summit and asked for collective global action to curb the menace of climate change.
- Held several bilateral meetings including meeting with US Envoy for Climate , Crown Prince of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
