RIYADH; Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh on Monday, ahead of the Ninth Edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII9).
The meeting took place in a cordial atmosphere and focused on enhancing trade, investment, and cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
The prime minister, visiting the kingdom at the invitation of the crown prince, is leading a high-level delegation comprising Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and special assistants Tariq Fatemi and Bilal Bin Saqib. Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir also attended the meeting.
Upon arrival at Al Yamamah Palace, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman warmly welcomed PM Shehbaz and his delegation. The two sides discussed ways to strengthen economic ties and expand collaboration across multiple sectors, including trade, investment, energy, and human resources. They also exchanged views on regional and international developments.
According to the Prime Ministerās Office, a joint statement outlining the outcomes of the talks will be issued soon.
PM Shehbaz arrived in Riyadh earlier in the day and was received at King Khalid International Airport by Riyadhās Deputy Governor Muhammad bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki, and Pakistanās Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmad Farooq.
The Pakistani delegation will participate in the FII9 conference, themed āThe Key to Prosperity: Unlocking New Frontiers of Growth.ā The forum brings together world leaders, investors, policymakers, and innovators to explore global challenges and opportunities in innovation, sustainability, economic inclusion, and geopolitical trends.
During his stay, PM Shehbaz will hold meetings with Saudi leadership and international representatives to promote Pakistanās investment potential and explore avenues for cooperation in sustainable development.
The visit underscores Pakistanās commitment to advancing economic diplomacy and fostering strategic partnerships in investment, technology, and sustainability.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have recently expanded their partnership beyond traditional areas, including the signing of a landmark defense pact during PM Shehbazās previous visit in September, under which an attack on one nation would be considered an attack on both.
