PM Shehbaz calls for deepening economic ties with ‘strategic partner’ Saudi Arabia

• PM reaffirms fraternal ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
• Makkah pact brought Riyadh, Ankara and Isb even closer: PM.
• Pakistan delegation to visit Riyadh to carry forward discussions: PM.
  

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has stressed the need for “strategic partners” Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to deepen economic and agriculture ties.

The statement comes as Engineer Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley, Saudi Minister for Environment, Water and Agriculture, called on PM Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad on Friday, according to an official statement.

While welcoming the Saudi dignitary, the prime minister reaffirmed the deep-rooted, fraternal ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and conveyed his warmest regards for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin.

PM Shehbaz said that the recently signed Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan had brought the three countries even closer together and sent a message of unity and peace throughout the region.

He underscored that as strategic partners, both Pakistan and the Kingdom must now focus their energies towards deepening economic and agriculture ties to translate their longstanding relationship into a stronger, mutually beneficial trade and investment partnership.

PM Shehbaz expressed satisfaction at the constructive engagement between the two sides, particularly with regard to export of agricultural products by Pakistan to the Kingdom.

“Both sides also exchanged views on enhancing agricultural productivity in Pakistan, through the use of technology, research and development and more efficient use of water resources,” the PMO statement added.

PM Shehbaz also announced that a delegation of agricultural experts from Pakistan would soon visit Riyadh to carry forward these discussions with a view to realise the full potential of this partnership.

The Saudi minister thanked the premier for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation and reaffirmed the kingdom’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Pakistan across the agriculture, water and food security sectors.