PM Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Investment Minister Discuss Strengthening Bilateral Ties
- PM Shehbaz Sharif Welcomes Saudi Investment Minister Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih in Islamabad
- Significant Milestone Achieved: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia Strengthen Economic Relations
- Saudi Investment Minister Reaffirms Commitment to Boost Investment in Pakistan’s Key Sectors
- Pakistan and Saudi Arabia Sign 27 MoUs, Paving the Way for Future Cooperation
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Investment, His Excellency Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih, today in Islamabad.
The Prime Minister welcomed the Saudi Investment Minister and his delegation upon their arrival in Pakistan. During the discussion, the Prime Minister highlighted the decades-long brotherly relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, which are strengthening with each passing day. He further acknowledged that Saudi Arabia has stood by Pakistan during difficult times.
The Prime Minister noted that this visit by the Saudi Minister is a significant milestone in strengthening investment and economic relations between the two countries, which will further enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
He congratulated the Saudi Minister on receiving the Hilal-e-Pakistan Award, recognizing his outstanding contributions to advancing Pakistan-Saudi relations.
The Prime Minister expressed good wishes for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman.
He also expressed pleasure over the fruitful discussions at the Pakistan-Saudi Business Forum, stating that the dialogue between the Pakistani and Saudi business communities has paved the way for new investments and highlighted Saudi Arabia’s commitment to deepening economic cooperation with Pakistan.
The Prime Minister mentioned his recent visits to Saudi Arabia and his meetings with Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman, emphasizing that this visit marks the third high-level visit within six months, demonstrating the increasing momentum in bilateral relations.
He also highlighted progress through the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), which is playing a crucial role in accelerating foreign investment in Pakistan.
The Prime Minister informed Saudi Arabia about the government’s privatization program and encouraged investments, particularly in Pakistan’s aviation sector, including the outsourcing of the country’s international airports.
He reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and regional integrity, especially concerning regional and global challenges, expressing Pakistan’s determination to strengthen defense relations, including support for Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
The Prime Minister praised Saudi Arabia’s leadership on issues within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), including Palestine, Kashmir, and Islamophobia.
He added that Pakistani expatriates play a vital role in the economic development of both countries.
The Saudi Investment Minister reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to increasing its investment portfolio in sectors such as mining, agriculture, food security, and infrastructure in Pakistan. He noted that the 27 memorandums of understanding signed today are merely the beginning of this journey.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, and other federal ministers.
