MAKKAH: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, accompanied by Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, met Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman in Makkah on Friday during his three-day official visit to Saudi Arabia.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the bilateral meeting took place at Al-Safa Palace, where Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman welcomed the Pakistani delegation. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Field Marshal Asim Munir and Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also attended the high-level talks. Moreover, the meeting focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation and reviewing key regional developments.
The Foreign Office said the visit carries importance beyond the current Gulf tensions and reflects the long-term strategic partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, both sides are expected to discuss expanding cooperation in political, economic, defence and investment sectors while exchanging views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
Officials also said the visit aims to deepen strategic cooperation, improve coordination on regional matters and reinforce collaboration at multilateral forums. In addition, Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to its longstanding relationship with Saudi Arabia, built on decades of mutual trust, cooperation and brotherhood.
Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is also expected to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his one-day visit to the Kingdom. After arriving at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Erdogan travelled by road to Makkah for the scheduled discussions on regional cooperation and shared strategic interests.
