PM Shehbaz meets Saudi Crown Prince, discusses bilateral ties and regional stability

(Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Friday during his official two-day visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The leaders exchanged Eid greetings and held in-depth discussions on enhancing the longstanding strategic partnership between the two brotherly nations.

According to Saudi media, the meeting was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal General Syed Asim Munir. Talks focused on strengthening cooperation in various sectors and reviewing regional developments, particularly efforts to boost peace and stability across the region.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman personally received Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and extended him a warm welcome, driving him to the royal lunch hosted in his honour at the Royal Court. The lunch was attended by prominent Middle Eastern leaders, members of the Saudi cabinet, and senior military and civilian officials. The two leaders also shared a candid and cordial exchange during the gathering.

The Crown Prince’s hospitality and the special honour extended to PM Shehbaz reflect the strong and enduring relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. It also signifies a diplomatic success under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

PM Shehbaz arrived in the Kingdom on Thursday, accompanied by a high-level delegation, at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. His visit coincides with the annual Hajj pilgrimage and Eid ul Adha celebrations.

On Thursday night, PM Shehbaz, Field Marshal Asim Munir, and other members of the delegation performed Umrah. In a rare honour, the door of the Holy Kaaba was opened for the delegation. They offered special prayers of gratitude, including thanks for the success of "Bunyan-um-Marsoos," Pakistan’s economic progress, and prayed for the welfare of the people, as well as for the oppressed Muslims in IIOJK and Palestine.