Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed his sincere appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s consistent support for Pakistan’s economic stability during a meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) in Jeddah, according to the Prime Minister’s Office. Shehbaz called on the Crown Prince, who is also the Prime Minister of the Kingdom, in Jeddah. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar was also present at the meeting. According to the PMO, the two leaders held detailed discussions during a warm and cordial meeting that lasted almost two hours, focusing on the evolving regional situation as well as bilateral relations. During the meeting, PM Shehbaz expressed full solidarity and support for the Kingdom in the wake of recent regional escalation, saying that “the people of Pakistan stand shoulder to shoulder with our Saudi brethren.” He also conveyed deep condolences over the loss of precious lives. He appreciated what he described as the Kingdom’s “exemplary patience and restraint,” adding that the Crown Prince’s leadership during the current crisis “has been a source of strength for all peace-loving people in the Kingdom and beyond.” The premier also shared recent developments related to Pakistan’s peace efforts, including those that led to the US–Iran ceasefire and the recently held round of historic talks between the US and Iran in Islamabad. “Pakistan and the Kingdom enjoy a unique relationship as strategic defence partners under the Pakistan–Saudi Arabia Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement,” he noted. He further expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s continued support of Pakistan’s economic stability, describing it as “deeply appreciated.” Both leaders also exchanged views on matters of mutual interest and reaffirmed their commitment to continued close cooperation. Earlier, Shehbaz arrived in Jeddah on an official visit to the Kingdom along with a high-level delegation. He and his delegation were received at the airport by Prince Saud bin Mashaal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Makkah Region, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Maliki, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmed Farooq. Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi, and the Prime Minister’s spokesperson for foreign media Mosharraf Zaidi are also accompanying him.
PM hails Saudi economic support, underscores US-Iran peace efforts in MBS meeting
