Jeddah, April 08, 2024, HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, engaged in an official meeting at Al-Safa Palace in Makkah Al-Mukarramah.
At the onset of the meeting, the Crown Prince extended his congratulations to Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on assuming office and conveyed warm wishes for his tenure. In response, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude for the Kingdom's unwavering support and hospitality, reiterating Pakistan's commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and economic cooperation.
The discussions revolved around strengthening the fraternal relations between the two nations and exploring avenues for enhanced collaboration across various sectors. The Kingdom's supportive role in Pakistan's economy was underscored, with a mutual desire to bolster trade and investment ties. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to expediting the first wave of the investment package worth $5 billion, previously discussed.
Additionally, both leaders exchanged views on regional and global developments of mutual interest, particularly addressing the concerning situation in Gaza. They emphasized the need for international efforts to halt Israeli military operations, mitigate humanitarian impacts, and urged the international community to pressure Israel to comply with international law and facilitate unhindered humanitarian aid access to Gaza. They also discussed advancing the peace process based on relevant resolutions of the Security Council and the General Assembly, including the Arab Peace Initiative aimed at achieving a just and comprehensive solution, establishing an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The importance of dialogue between Pakistan and India to address outstanding issues, especially the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, was stressed to ensure peace and stability in the region.
Concluding the meeting, the Prime Minister of Pakistan extended an invitation to the Crown Prince to undertake an official visit to Pakistan, which was graciously accepted.
