Jeddah (TDI): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday arrived in Jeddah on four-day official visit to Saudi Arabia to strengthen bilateral relations, enhance economic cooperation, and promote investment between the two nations.
Jeddah Governor Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi warmly welcomed the prime minister at the airport.
Pakistani Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmed Farooq, Consul General Khalid Majeed and other diplomatic staff were also present.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, key federal ministers and senior officials accompanied the premier.
During the visit, PM Shehbaz is scheduled to meet Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman wherein the two leaders will discuss ways to increase trade, strengthen partnership in key sectors and facilitate greater economic cooperation.
Matters of mutual interest and concern, including global and regional developments, especially the Gaza situation, evolving Middle East dynamics, as well as issues related to the Muslim Ummah, will come under discussion.
The prime minister’s visit highlights the deep-rooted historical ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and will pave the way for increased mutual understanding, enhanced collaboration in trade, investment and greater diplomatic coordination on bilateral, regional and global matters.
The premier’s tour comes in response to the invitation by the Saudi crown prince.
The Prime Minister would avail the opportunity to spend a few days in Makkah and Madina and would also visit the coastal city Jeddah where he would meet King Salman bin Abdul Aziz.
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It is to be noted that the PM, back in October last year, had visited Saudi Arabia to participate in the 8th edition of the Future Investment Initiative, held under the patronage of King Salman.
The same month, both countries had signed several memorandums of understanding (MoUs), worth over $2 billion, to boost bilateral trade and investment during the Islamabad visit of a Saudi delegation, headed by Minister for Investment Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih.
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The deals include a $70 million investment in the agriculture sector, the establishment of advanced semiconductor chip manufacturing in Saudi Arabia, the setting up of a textile industry, a white oil pipeline project, an MoU for exploring investment opportunities, a hybrid power project, development of transformer manufacturing facilities in both nations, cyber security initiatives for customers and businesses, and the export of spices and vegetables from Pakistan.
