Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia on the Palestine issue. The resolve came during a meeting between PM Shehbaz and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at Al-Yamama Palace in Riyadh. A statement issued by the PM Office Media Wing said that discussions focused on tensions in the Middle East, the Palestinian issue, and other key matters. During the meeting, both leaders strongly condemned the recent Israeli attack in Doha. Speaking on the occasion, the Saudi crown prince said the resolution of the Palestine issue is vital for peace in the Middle East. Both sides also agreed to further strengthen Pakistan-Saudi relations and enhance bilateral cooperation. Upon his arrival at the Royal Palace, the prime minister was received with Saudi royal protocol and welcomed by horse-mounted guards. A guard of honour was presented to the prime minister by the contingents of the Saudi Armed Forces. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb were among the attendees of the meeting. The premier received a warm welcome with an aerial escort of Saudi F-15 jets as his plane entered Saudi airspace. Upon his arrival at the King Khalid International Airport, PM Shehbaz was received by the deputy governor of Riyadh. Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Maliki and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmad Farooq were also present at the airport. The premier was accorded a 21-gun salute, while a smartly turned-out contingent of Saudi forces presented a guard of honour to the visiting dignitary. Speaking onboard his special flight, PM Shehbaz expressed gratitude to Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdul Aziz, for the gracious aerial welcome extended by the Royal Saudi Air Force. The prime minister is accompanied by senior members of his cabinet during the visit, which is aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and broadening cooperation in various sectors. “The visit is expected to result in the formalisation of cooperation in diverse fields, underscoring the shared commitment of both nations to deepen their partnership,” the FO statement had read. “Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy a historic relationship, rooted in shared faith, values and mutual trust,” the Foreign Office had said, adding that the trip would provide an important opportunity for both leaders to consolidate ties and explore new avenues of collaboration. It is to be noted that since assuming office, PM Shehbaz Sharif has visited Saudi Arabia several times. In October 2024, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed 34 memoranda of understanding (MoUs), aimed at enhancing private sector collaboration and boosting commercial partnerships. This year, the prime minister has made two official visits to Saudi Arabia. His first, from March 19-22, focused on strengthening trade, investment, and economic ties. The premier visited again from June 5-6 during the Eidul Adha in the Kingdom. PM Shehbaz also held a meeting with MBS earlier this week on the sidelines of the emergency Arab-Islamic summit in Doha. The summit was convened as a show of solidarity with Qatar after Israeli airstrikes on September 9 targeted Hamas leaders in the Gulf state. During the cordial meeting, both leaders discussed the emerging situation following Israel’s aggression. PM Shehbaz expressed deep appreciation for Mohammed bin Salman’s leadership in uniting the Muslim Ummah during this critical time and assured Pakistan’s full diplomatic support, particularly at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), where Pakistan is a non-permanent member, as well as in other multilateral forums, including the OIC. The Saudi crown prince appreciated Pakistan’s active diplomatic role at the UNSC and OIC in demonstrating solidarity with Qatar.
Pakistan stands with Saudi Arabia on Palestine issue, PM Shehbaz assures MBS
