Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif was met by the Minister of Investment of Saudi Arabia, His Excellency Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al Falih, in Islamabad today.
The Prime Minister welcomed the Saudi investment minister and his delegation on their arrival in Pakistan. Talking to the Saudi Minister, the Prime Minister said that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have decades of brotherly relations which are getting stronger with each passing day. The Prime Minister further said that Saudi Arabia has supported Pakistan in every difficult time.
The Prime Minister said that the visit of the Saudi minister is an important milestone in strengthening investment and economic relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, which will further strengthen the wider cooperation between the two countries in areas of mutual interest.
The Prime Minister congratulated the Saudi Minister of Investment on receiving the Hilal Pakistan Award in recognition of his outstanding services in promoting Pakistan-Saudi relations.
The Prime Minister expressed good wishes for Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman.
The Prime Minister expressed happiness over the fruitful discussions held at the Pakistan Saudi Business Forum. He said the dialogue between the Pakistani and Saudi business communities has paved the way for new investments, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to deepening economic cooperation with Pakistan.
The prime minister mentioned his recent visits to Saudi Arabia and meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and said that this visit of the Saudi minister is the third high-level visit within six months, which is proof of the increasing momentum in bilateral relations.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the progress made by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), which is playing an important role in accelerating foreign investment in Pakistan.
The Prime Minister briefed Saudi Arabia about the government’s privatization program and Pakistan’s aviation sector to Saudi Arabia
Especially encouraged to invest in the outsourcing of Pakistan’s international airports.
The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia, especially regional and global challenges. He expressed Pakistan’s determination to strengthen defense ties, including supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
The Prime Minister praised Saudi Arabia’s leadership in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) regarding its stance on issues like Palestine, Kashmir and Islamophobia.
The Prime Minister further said that Pakistani immigrants are playing an important role in the economic development of both the countries.
The Saudi investment minister reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to increasing its investment portfolio in Pakistan, especially in the fields of mining, agriculture, food security, and infrastructure. He further said that the 27 MoUs being signed today is just the beginning of the journey.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir and Federal Minister were also present in the meeting.
Editor: Kamran Raja