PM meets Saudi crown prince to strengthen bilateral relations

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz in Makkah during a two-day official visit on Friday. The meeting saw a constructive exchange of views on strengthening bilateral cooperation across political, economic, and security domains.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the meeting reaffirmed strategic and fraternal ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, with both leaders highlighting the importance of continuing their strong partnership.

Premier Sharif extended heartfelt Eid greetings to King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, commending the Kingdom’s hospitality and exceptional service to Hajj pilgrims from around the world.

The statement also extended gratitude for the efforts of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince, who ensured a safe and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage experience.

The PM expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s proactive role in mitigating tensions between Pakistan and India. He commended the Kingdom’s steadfast commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region and beyond.

Highlighting Pakistan’s policy of responsible restraint in the face of Indian aggression, PM Sharif underscored that sustainable peace in South Asia can only be achieved through dialogue and cooperation.

PM Sharif expressed satisfaction with the growing momentum of these partnerships and reiterated that both countries remain committed to elevating this strategic relationship to new heights.

The two leaders agreed to further align their efforts with the shared vision of leadership and the aspirations of the brotherly people of both nations, the statement noted.

The premier extended an invitation to the crown prince to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience, which he accepted, reinforcing the mutual commitment to deepening the multifaceted ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

The two also addressed the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. Both leaders stressed the need for the international community to fulfill its moral and legal obligations to end the suffering and reiterated their unwavering support for a just and durable resolution to the Palestinian issue.

They emphasised the importance of the Arab Peace Initiative and the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions as the foundation for any lasting solution, the statement added.

The prime minister was accompanied Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar.

Earlier, PM Sharif and Field Marshal Munir, along with senior ministers, performed Umrah late Thursday night during the official visit to Saudi Arabia.

In a rare gesture, the door of the Holy Kaaba in Makkah was specially opened for the visiting Pakistani delegation. The leaders offered Nawafil prayers and expressed gratitude for what they described as the success of Bunyanum Marsoos, a reference to ongoing efforts for national unity and resilience.

During the sacred pilgrimage, the prime minister and his delegation also offered special prayers of thanks for recent developments in Pakistan’s economic and social sectors. Supplications were made for the nation’s continued prosperity and stability.