PM Shehbaz Sharif leaves for Saudi Arabia on three-day official visit

ISLAMABAD (92 News) - Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif left for Saudi Arabia on a three-day official visit on Thursday.

He is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Federal Ministers Bilawal Bhutto, Miftah Ismail, Nawabzada Shahzain Bugti, Marriyum Aurangzeb, Khawaja Asif, Chaudhary Saalik Hussain, Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and Mohsin Dawar. 

In a tweet, PM Shehbaz Sharif said: "Today I am embarking on a visit to Saudi Arabia to renew and reaffirm our bonds of brotherhood and friendship. I will have wide-ranging discussions with Saudi leadership. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of our greatest friends and as Custodian of the Two Holy Places, has a special place in all our hearts." 

The prime minister is embarking on his first visit abroad after assuming the office earlier this month on the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz.

During the visit, the prime minister will have bilateral interaction with Saudi leadership with particular focus on advancing economic, trade and investment ties and creation of greater opportunities for the Pakistani workforce in Saudi Arabia.

The two sides will also exchange views on a range of regional and international issues of mutual interest.

In a statement, Foreign Office Spokesperson Asim Iftikhar said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are bound by fraternal relationship marked by mutual trust and understanding, close cooperation and an abiding tradition of supporting each other. The people of Pakistan hold the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in the highest esteem.

The spokesperson said Prime Minister’s visit to Saudi Arabia will further reinforce the growing partnership between the two countries.

She said that bilateral relationship is complemented by close mutual collaboration at regional and international fora.