PM Shehbaz Sharif & Field Marshal Asim Munir Arrive in Jeddah for Strategic Talks with Crown Prince MBS

President Shahbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Syed Asim Munir have come to Jeddah for their official visit to Saudi Arabia which lasts for three days.

The ‘high-level’ visit comes after an invitation from Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman (MBS). It will be expected to focus on further enhancing Saudi-Pakistani relations and developments in the region.

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Saudi Officials Receive Pakistani Delegation

Deputy Governor of Makkah Region Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz welcomed Sharif and his delegation into King Abdulaziz International Airport.

In attendance were also Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Alfadley, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan Nawaf Al-Malki and Ambassador of Pakistan to Saudi Arabia Ahmad Farooq and other high officials.

Both sides showed high value to the visit toward strengthening the political, security, and economic coordination as both are concerned about it.

High-Level Talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

The main engagement will be when Sharif meets Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The talks will include bilateral ties as well as latest political and security developments in the region.

The meeting follows the boost given to Saudi Arabia-Pakistan strategic cooperation in the fields of diplomacy, defense in various forms, investment and economic ties.

Defense and Regional Security on the Agenda

The visit has an important security element as Field Marshal Asim Munir is the guest of honour. The discussions will involve bilateral defense cooperation, regional security related issues and regional developments impacting on the wider Gulf and Middle East.

Issues of regional tensions and diplomatic attempts to de-escalate and contribute to regional stability are expected to be discussed between the two sides as well.

Economic and Investment Cooperation

Another key aspect of the Saudi-Pakistani partnership is in the economic sphere. The two nations have been toying with plans to grow investment, energy and financial relationships.

The talks will be expected to spur on investment initiatives linked to Saudi Vision 2030 and Pakistan’s Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), and look into avenues for a stronger partnership between the private sector and the government.

Sharif to Perform Umrah and Visit Madinah

Prime Minister Sharif is also planning to perform Umrah and visit the Mosque of the Noble Prophet in Madinah while in Saudi Arabia.

Furthermore, due to the cultural and religious ties between the Pakistani and Saudi people, the religious engagements are an important part of the official visit.

Senior Pakistani Officials Accompany PM

Along with the four ministries, the delegation comprises Deputy Prime and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar. They’ll be expected to promote dialogue in fields of foreign policy, defense, information and economic cooperation.

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