PM Shehbaz appreciates Saudi support in meeting with Crown Prince MBS

JEDDAH: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s continued support for Pakistan’s economic stability during a meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah, the Prime Minister’s Office said on Wednesday.

The meeting, which lasted nearly two hours, was described as warm and cordial, with both leaders holding detailed discussions on bilateral relations and the evolving regional situation. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also attended the meeting.

During the talks, PM Shehbaz expressed full solidarity with the Kingdom amid recent regional escalation, stating that the people of Pakistan stand with Saudi Arabia. He also conveyed condolences over the loss of lives.

The prime minister praised what he termed the Kingdom’s patience and restraint, saying the leadership of the Crown Prince during the ongoing crisis has been a source of strength for peace efforts in the region.

He also briefed the Saudi leadership on Pakistan’s recent diplomatic initiatives, including efforts that contributed to the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, as well as the talks held in Islamabad.

Highlighting the close ties between the two countries, PM Shehbaz said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia share a unique relationship as strategic defence partners under a mutual defence framework.

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He further thanked Saudi Arabia for its consistent economic support, describing it as deeply valued by Pakistan.

Both leaders exchanged views on issues of mutual interest and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation across various sectors.

Earlier, the prime minister arrived in Jeddah on an official visit along with a high-level delegation. He was received by Makkah Region Deputy Governor Prince Saud bin Mashaal bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Maliki, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmed Farooq.

The delegation includes Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant Syed Tariq Fatemi, and foreign media spokesperson Mosharraf Zaidi.