MAKKAH: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have affirmed their commitment to expediting the first wave of Saudi investment worth $5 billion in Pakistan.
This was stated in a joint statement issued on the meeting between Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on Sunday in Makkah Al-Mukarramah.
The statement stated that during the meeting emphasis was placed on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s supportive role in Pakistan’s economy and the mutual desire to strengthen trade and investment relations.
During the meeting, the Crown Prince extended his congratulations to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on assuming office and expressed warm wishes for his tenure.
PM Shehbaz Sharif, in turn, conveyed gratitude for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s steadfast support and hospitality and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and economic cooperation.
The discussions centered on strengthening the fraternal relations between the two brotherly nations and exploring more avenues for enhanced collaboration across various sectors.
Both leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments of mutual interest, including the disturbing situation in Gaza. They urged for international efforts to stop Israeli military operations in the besieged Gaza Strip, and mitigate humanitarian impact.
They stressed the imperative for the international community to pressure Israel to cease hostilities, adhere to international law, and facilitate humanitarian aid access to Gaza.
They discussed the need for advancing the peace process in accordance with relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council and the UN General Assembly as well as the Arab Peace Initiative aimed at finding a just and comprehensive solution, for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The two sides underscored the importance of dialogue between Pakistan and India to resolve the outstanding issues between the two countries.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister invited the Crown Prince to undertake an official visit to Pakistan, at the earliest convenience, which was accepted by the Crown Prince.
