ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the need for Islamabad and Riyadh to collaborate closely to expedite the initial phase of Saudi investments under the new agreement.
His remarks came during a meeting with a high-level Saudi delegation, led by Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, currently on an official visit to Pakistan.
This two-day visit follows Prime Minister Shehbaz’s recent trip to Saudi Arabia, during which the Kingdom reiterated its commitment to accelerating the initial phase of their $5 billion investment in Pakistan. Additionally, sources revealed earlier this month that Saudi Arabia is expected to invest $1 billion in the Reko Diq project.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed deep appreciation for the leadership of KSA and extended his sincerest wishes to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Highlighting Pakistan’s longstanding fraternal, economic, and strategic relations with Saudi Arabia, Prime Minister Shehbaz underscored the countries’ unwavering support for each other. He recalled his productive meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Makkah, stating that the visit of the Saudi delegation signifies both countries’ strong commitment to bolstering bilateral relations focused on mutually beneficial economic cooperation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz briefed the delegation on the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and its initiatives aimed at promoting investment in Pakistan. He also emphasized the pivotal role of Chief of the Army Staff General Asim Munir and the cooperation of all institutions in facilitating investment through SIFC.
On their part, the Saudi foreign minister expressed gratitude for the warm welcome extended to the delegation and reaffirmed the Kingdom’s high regard for its strong and close ties with Pakistan. He conveyed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing strategic and economic cooperation with Pakistan. The two sides also discussed the escalating situation in Palestine.
Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari met with the delegation, emphasizing the resolve to build a robust partnership and enhance economic cooperation for the mutual benefit of both countries. President Zardari reiterated Pakistan’s deep-rooted relationship with Saudi Arabia and expressed gratitude for the Kingdom’s support during challenging times.
The Saudi foreign minister underscored Riyadh’s view of its relations with Islamabad as critical and emphasized building a strong partnership. He also acknowledged the significant contributions of the Pakistani diaspora to the development of Saudi Arabia and conveyed the greetings of the Saudi leadership.
Both sides discussed regional dynamics and recent developments in the Middle East, calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and an end to Israeli atrocities in Gaza.
