Jeddah (TDI): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Thursday during a brief visit to Jeddah, reaffirming Pakistan’s full solidarity and support for the Kingdom amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
According to a statement shared by the Prime Minister’s spokesperson for foreign media, Mosharraf Zaidi, the premier expressed Pakistan’s unwavering support for Saudi Arabia “in these challenging times” and emphasized Islamabad’s commitment to working jointly for regional peace and stability.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces Asim Munir. At the outset, the prime minister conveyed his best wishes to Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and expressed appreciation for the Kingdom’s longstanding support to Pakistan.
Both leaders held an in-depth discussion on recent developments in the region, particularly the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The prime minister assured the Saudi leadership that Pakistan would continue to stand firmly with the Kingdom and support efforts aimed at ensuring peace and stability in the region.
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Earlier, upon arrival at King Abdulaziz International Airport, Prime Minister Shehbaz was received by Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmad Farooq, Consul General Syed Mustafa Rabani, and other diplomatic officials.
Officials said the visit was undertaken at the invitation of the Saudi crown prince and aimed to exchange views on regional tensions, the evolving security situation, and bilateral relations between the two countries.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said the visit should be viewed in the broader context of Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to encourage de-escalation and promote dialogue in the region. He reiterated Islamabad’s position that all parties must respect sovereignty and territorial integrity, adhere to international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter, and resume negotiations to reach a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
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The visit follows recent high-level contacts between the two countries. Earlier this month, Field Marshal Asim Munir met Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud to discuss regional security concerns and possible joint measures under the Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement signed last year.
Pakistan has consistently emphasized diplomacy and restraint amid the ongoing regional tensions, while reaffirming its close strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia.
