ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif left for Saudi Arabia on Thursday for a three-day official visit, leading a high-level delegation that includes the country’s top military commander.
The talks are expected to focus on regional security and bilateral strategic cooperation.
Delegation and agenda
Sharif departed at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and is accompanied by Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi .
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, who is already in the kingdom after concluding a visit to Jordan, will join the delegation in Madina .
During the visit, Sharif is scheduled to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss consolidating bilateral relations and exchange views on regional and international developments of mutual interest .
The prime minister will also perform Umrah and visit the Prophet’s Mosque in Madina .
Visit comes amid regional turmoil
Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said the visit reflects Pakistan’s “long-standing partnership” with Saudi Arabia “anchored in decades of mutual trust, cooperation and brotherhood” .
He noted that while the trip is taking place amid heightened tensions in the Gulf, “it will carry immense significance beyond the immediate crisis and short-term considerations” .
The visit follows Saudi Arabia’s recent announcement of plans for a multinational maritime defence coalition to protect shipping and energy supply routes in the Red Sea region, with 14 countries including Pakistan voicing support . Islamabad and Riyadh concluded a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement last year that became operational earlier this year .
