Islamabad (TDI): Dr Abdullah Muhammad Ibrahim Al-Sheikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s Shura Council, and his delegation called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday.
During the meeting, the prime minister conveyed his best wishes to King Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman (MBS).
PM Shehbaz said that frequent high-level exchanges between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia this year reflect the deep ties between the two nations.
Read More: Will Not Tolerate Unrest in Country: PM Shehbaz
He congratulated Saudi Arabia on securing the hosting rights for the FIFA World Cup 2034 and expressed confidence in the Kingdom’s ability to organize the event successfully.
“Pakistan’s long-standing relationship with Saudi Arabia is a cornerstone of our foreign policy,” the premier said. He also acknowledged the Saudi support during Pakistan’s difficult times and expressed gratitude on behalf of the nation.
The prime minister said parliamentary exchanges were critical in strengthening ties and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing economic and financial cooperation with Saudi Arabia.
He recalled the signing of $2.8 billion agreements between the two nations, with work already underway on several projects.
“I’m confident that both countries would soon begin to benefit from these agreements,” he said.
Read More: Saudi Arabia Postpones $3bn Deposit for Another Year
PM Shehbaz also acknowledged the contribution of the 2.5 million Pakistani expats in Saudi Arabia, describing them as a vital bridge between the two nations.
He praised MBS for hosting the Arab-Islamic Summit, which amplified the Muslim world’s call for peace in Gaza, Lebanon, and the broader region.
The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for efforts addressing the suffering of the people of Gaza and Lebanon and for the protection of their human rights.
