Pakistan, KSA resolve to further build strong partnership, promote economic cooperation
Foreign Office issues joint declaration of Saudi FM Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud’s visit to Pakistan
The two Foreign Ministers extensively discussed bilateral relations and cooperation in diverse fields
Saudi FM expresses his gratitude for the warm welcome his delegation has received in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD ( Web News )
Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud led a ministerial delegation on an official visit to Pakistan from 15-16 April 2024.
According to a statement issued by Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch on Tuesday, the delegation included Saudi Ministers of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and Industry and Mineral Resources, Assistant Minister of Investment, General Secretary of the Saudi Pakistan Supreme Coordination Council (SPSCC) and senior officials from the Ministry of Energy and the Saudi Public Investment Fund.
The purpose of visit was to follow up on the understandings reached between Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during their recent meeting in Makkah Al Mukarramah and to accelerate discussions on enhanced bilateral economic cooperation.
The delegation called on the President, the Prime Minister and the Chief of Army Staff. The Saudi Foreign Minister held detailed talks with Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Two Foreign Ministers also co-chaired the ‘Saudi Arabia-Pakistan Investment Conference’ which was followed by sector-wise discussions on key areas for enhanced economic partnership between the two countries.
President Asif Ali Zardari extended his best wishes to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and praised his visionary leadership that has truly transformed the Kingdom. He underscored the longstanding cordial relations between the two brotherly nations and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to bilateral economic and strategic partnership.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif commended the Saudi delegation for the swift follow-up on the decisions made during his meeting with His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman. He applauded the commitment by the two countries to expedite the first Saudi investments in Pakistan and underscored that facilitating Saudi investments in Pakistan remained the top priority of his government.
The two Foreign Ministers extensively discussed bilateral relations and cooperation in diverse fields and exchanged assessments on regional and global developments, including the recent situation in the Middle East. Foreign Minister Dar highlighted the vast opportunities offered by Pakistan to enhance commercial, trade and investment relations between the two countries.
The highlight of the visit was ‘Saudi Arabia-Pakistan Investment Conference’ that was co-chaired by the two Foreign Ministers. Opening the Conference, Foreign Minister Dar expressed confidence that this Conference will pave the way for Saudi investments in Pakistan. The Pakistani side made detailed presentations on the recent legal and administrative reforms under the framework of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) to streamline investment processes. The Saudi side appreciated SIFC’s role and expressed keen interest in Pakistan’s investment ecosystem. Subsequently, the respective technical teams of the two countries discussed investment proposals in diverse sectors such as energy, mining, renewables, agriculture, information technology, construction and human resource development and exports.
The visit by the Saudi Foreign Minister to Pakistan is part of regular high-level engagements between the two brotherly countries. It also reflects the clarity of strategic vision with which the two sides are working to enhance the economic and strategic cooperation.
Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif says discussions with the Saudi delegation will usher in a new era of close cooperation, and in coming weeks and months we will be able to sign agreements worth billions of dollars.
Speaking at the dinner hosted in the honor of visiting Saudi delegation in Islamabad, PM Shehbaz Sharif expressed satisfaction over the progress on areas of interests from both sides.
The Prime Minister also expressed hope that the Saudi Crown Prince will visit Pakistan on the occasion of signing agreements between the two brotherly countries.
He thanked the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia for sending a high level delegation led by Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud to fast-track the Saudi investment in Pakistan.
Speaking on the occasion, Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud thanked Pakistani side for warm reception and hospitality.
He also thanked for the cooperation that would initiate a new phase of partnership and brotherhood through tangible economic cooperation that can deliver for both the countries.
Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
Saudi FM Prince Faisal bin Furhan Al Saud meets with General Syed Asim Munir
Prince Faisal bin Furhan Al Saud, Minister of Foreign Affairs Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, accompanied by a delegation, met with General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS) on Tuesday.
According to the statement issued by the ISPR, discussions centered on mutual interests and policies to further bolster bilateral cooperation across various sectors. The esteemed visitor underscored the enduring and strategic nature of the relationship between the two nations, emphasizing on exploring multiple avenues for continued reinforcement of bilateral ties.
In response, COAS conveyed appreciation for the delegation’s visit, affirming traditional bond of fraternity between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He underscored the reverence and affection that the people of Pakistan hold for their Saudi brethren. COAS reiterated full support for the delegation and conveyed his best wishes for mutually beneficial outcomes from the interaction for both states.