26 May 2025 Islamabad(Kamran Raja): Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi today met with the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia, Mr. Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmed Al-Maliki, in which the two leaders discussed matters of mutual interest between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, bilateral cooperation, investment, and strengthening relations in other important areas.
In the meeting, both sides appreciated the long-standing historical, religious and economic relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and agreed that these relations are very important for the prosperity and development of the people of both countries. Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi said that Saudi Arabia is a key partner of Pakistan and the two countries should take their relations to new heights. The Railways Minister termed the remittances of millions of Pakistanis working in Saudi Arabia as crucial for Pakistan’s economy and said that these financial resources are playing a key role in the country’s development. Furthermore, he termed the annual Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages by Pakistani pilgrims to the holy sites as a sign of the strength of religious and cultural ties between the two countries. In the meeting, the Railway Minister laid special emphasis on increasing cooperation with Saudi Arabia in the railway sector and promoting trade and investment opportunities. He said that the development of railway infrastructure will strengthen the economies of both countries and play an important role in promoting trade in the region.
Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmed Al-Maliki reiterated Saudi Arabia’s interest in Pakistan’s development and said that joint efforts will continue to enhance cooperation between the two countries in all fields. They also discussed investment promotion, strengthening trade relations, and public welfare projects. The Railways Minister said that the relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are not just between two countries but are based on a great brotherhood and common interests which need to be strengthened. He reiterated the resolve that Pakistan wants close cooperation with Saudi Arabia in every field and will continue to strive to promote relations in the future as well.
During the meeting, joint projects and investment opportunities in various sectors were also discussed to enable further cooperation in the development of the two countries.