Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has arrived in Saudi Arabia for a three day official visit, accompanied by a senior Pakistani delegation that includes Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who was already in Saudi Arabia following an official visit to Jordan, has also joined the delegation.
The prime minister landed in Jeddah on Thursday evening, where he was received by Deputy Governor of Makkah Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz. Senior Saudi officials, including Minister of Agriculture, Water and Environment Engineer Abdulrahman, along with Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmad Farooq, were also present to welcome the delegation.
Meetings With Saudi Leadership
During the visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to hold talks with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the discussions will focus on strengthening bilateral relations while reviewing regional and international developments of mutual interest.
Officials say both countries will explore ways to expand cooperation in strategic, diplomatic, and multilateral areas as Pakistan and Saudi Arabia continue their long-standing partnership.
Religious Visit Included in the Schedule
Besides official engagements, the prime minister is also expected to perform Umrah during his stay and visit Masjid-e-Nabawi in Madinah.
Visit Comes During Sensitive Regional Situation
The visit takes place at a time when the Middle East continues to face heightened geopolitical tensions. Pakistan’s Foreign Office has described the trip as significant not only for reinforcing bilateral ties but also for enhancing coordination on regional and global issues.
Officials believe the visit provides an opportunity for both countries to exchange views on recent developments while continuing cooperation on matters affecting regional stability and security.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia Continue Strategic Cooperation
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have maintained close diplomatic, economic, and defence relations for decades. In recent years, both countries have expanded cooperation on regional security, maritime stability, and strategic coordination.
Pakistan has also expressed support for Saudi-led initiatives aimed at protecting international shipping routes in the Red Sea, while reaffirming its commitment to the security of the Kingdom and the uninterrupted movement of lawful maritime trade.
The two countries further strengthened defence cooperation through the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, which became operational earlier this year and reflects their growing partnership across multiple sectors.
The latest visit is expected to build on previous high-level engagements and further deepen cooperation between Islamabad and Riyadh on issues of mutual interest.
