Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is currently on a three-day official visit to Saudi Arabia, where he attended an Iftar dinner hosted by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman at Al-Safa Palace in Makkah on Sunday.
The Iftar dinner was a significant and grand event. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, along with the Crown Prince of Bahrain and other notable dignitaries, participated in breaking their fast together, which is a traditional and important part of Ramadan observances.
The Saudi Crown Prince graciously hosted the Iftar, and the Prime Minister’s Office disclosed that a special invitation was extended to Prime Minister Shehbaz’s delegation for this event.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and members of the federal cabinet were also among those who were invited to the Iftar dinner.
Prime Minister Shehbaz arrived in Saudi Arabia on Saturday for his scheduled three-day visit from April 6 to 8. His delegation includes several federal ministers such as Ishaq Dar, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Abdul Aleem Khan, Attaullah Tarar, and Ahad Khan Cheema.
During the visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz and the Saudi Crown Prince engaged in comprehensive discussions focusing on bilateral relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
They also discussed trade and investment-related matters and explored opportunities for cooperation in various sectors.
A statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office indicated that the two leaders discussed various projects and opportunities for cooperation between the two countries.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Shehbaz and his delegation arrived in Makkah from Madina to perform Umrah. He also offered prayers at Masjid-e-Nabvi in Madina and paid respects at Roza-e-Rasool (PBUH), which holds significant religious importance for Muslims around the world.
Sources familiar with the matter told media outlets that during the meeting with the Saudi Crown Prince, Prime Minister Shehbaz is expected to discuss various projects and opportunities for cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
The sources also mentioned that Prime Minister Shehbaz would renew his invitation to the Saudi Crown Prince to visit Pakistan. Additionally, during the Prime Minister’s visit, several development projects are expected to be finalized.
Saudi Arabia is anticipated to invest $1 billion in the Reko Diq project in Pakistan, which could significantly boost economic cooperation between the two countries.
Both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia share longstanding fraternal relations deeply rooted in religious and cultural affinity. The Foreign Office of Pakistan has emphasized the people of Pakistan’s deepest respect and regard for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Shehbaz’s visit to Saudi Arabia aims to strengthen bilateral relations, enhance economic cooperation, and deepen the ties of friendship and brotherhood between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
The visit is expected to pave the way for increased collaboration and mutual benefit in various fields, including trade, investment, and cultural exchange.
