PM Shehbaz departs for Saudi Arabia on 3-day visit

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif embarked on a three-day visit to Saudi Arabia on Thursday, accompanied by high-ranking officials, including Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar.

The visit, initiated by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aims to strengthen the long-standing bilateral relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, focusing on areas of mutual interest in regional and international developments.

During his stay in Saudi Arabia, Prime Minister Sharif will perform Umrah and visit the Holy Prophet's (PBUH) mosque in Madina. Earlier, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi announced the visit during a weekly briefing, emphasizing the importance of the trip, despite heightened tensions in the Gulf. Andrabi stated that the visit would reinforce bilateral ties, deepen strategic cooperation, and enhance coordination on shared regional and international concerns.

Pakistan's support for Saudi Arabia's multinational maritime defense coalition, comprising 14 countries, was highlighted in the official statement. This coalition aims to protect shipping and energy supply routes in the Red Sea region. Pakistan endorsed Saudi Arabia's air strikes in Iraq, deeming it an act of self-defense, following US-led strikes against Popular Mobilisation Units in Iraq.

The country also warned against hostile actions against its maritime interests and reaffirmed its commitment to Saudi Arabia's security. Earlier this year, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, which came into operation, amidst Pakistan's diplomatic efforts to mediate between Iran and the United States.