PM, Saudi crown prince agree to further expand shared actions to promote bilateral cooperation

PARIS (APP) - Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday met Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Prince Mohammad bin Salman on the sidelines of Summit for New Global Financing Pact.

Besides discussing the matters relating to mutual interests, the two leaders agreed to further expand the shared actions to promote bilateral cooperation in diverse areas.

Prime Minister Sharif expressed his best wishes for the Saudi Crown Prince. Prince Muhammad bin Salman also expressed his goodwill for the Pakistan government and its people.

Meanwhile on the sidelines of the Summit for a New Global Financial Pact being held in Paris, Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif met Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Views were exchanged on the ongoing programmes and cooperation between Pakistan and the IMF. Recalling their recent telephone conversation on May 27, the prime minister apprised Georgieva of Pakistan’s economic outlook.

The prime minister outlined the steps taken by the government for economic growth and stability. He underscored that all prior actions for 9th Review under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) had been completed and the Pakistan government was fully committed to fulfilling its obligations as agreed with the IMF.

The prime minister expressed the hope that the funds allocated under the IMF's EFF would be released as soon as possible. This would help strengthen Pakistan's ongoing efforts towards economic stabilisation, and bring relief to its people. The IMF managing director shared her institution’s perspective on the ongoing review process. The meeting provided a useful opportunity to take stock of the progress in that context.