ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia decided to further boost their economic and agricultural cooperation. Pakistan is sending a delegation comprising agricultural experts to Riyadh for further discussions.
The upcoming visit aims to identify new opportunities and unlock the full potential of bilateral economic ties, particularly in agriculture, trade and investment.
Agricultural Cooperation Takes Centre Stage
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif said the recently signed Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye had brought the three countries closer. He said the agreement had also conveyed a message of unity and peace across the region.
Premier stressed that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia should now focus their strategic partnership on expanding trade and investment ties.
The remarks came during a meeting with Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Engineer Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad.
Welcoming the Saudi minister, Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s longstanding fraternal relations with the Kingdom. He also conveyed his greetings to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Focus on Technology and Food Security
Meanwhile, both sides reviewed progress on increasing Pakistani agricultural exports to Saudi Arabia. They also explored measures to improve Pakistan’s agricultural productivity.
The discussions covered the use of modern technology, research and development, and more efficient water management practices.
Al-Fadley reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Pakistan in agriculture, water management and food security. He also thanked the prime minister for the hospitality extended to him and his delegation during the visit.
Several federal ministers and senior government officials, including Rana Tanveer Hussain, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Atta Tarar and Jam Kamal Khan attended the meeting.
Dr Musadik Malik, Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, Dr Syed Tauqir Shah, Bilal Azhar Kiyani and SAPM Tariq Fatemi also attended the meeting.
Pakistani delegation of experts will identify avenues for expanding mutual cooperation with Saudi Arabia.
