Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed his sincere appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s consistent support for Pakistan’s economic stability during a meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) in Jeddah, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
Shehbaz called on the Crown Prince, who is also the Prime Minister of the Kingdom, in Jeddah. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar was also present at the meeting.
According to the PMO, the two leaders held detailed discussions during a warm and cordial meeting that lasted almost two hours, focusing on the evolving regional situation as well as bilateral relations.
During the meeting, PM Shehbaz expressed full solidarity and support for the Kingdom in the wake of recent regional escalation, saying that “the people of Pakistan stand shoulder to shoulder with our Saudi brethren.” He also conveyed deep condolences over the loss of precious lives.
He appreciated what he described as the Kingdom’s “exemplary patience and restraint,” adding that the Crown Prince’s leadership during the current crisis “has been a source of strength for all peace-loving people in the Kingdom and beyond.”
The premier also shared recent developments related to Pakistan’s peace efforts, including those that led to the US–Iran ceasefire and the recently held round of historic talks between the US and Iran in Islamabad.
“Pakistan and the Kingdom enjoy a unique relationship as strategic defence partners under the Pakistan–Saudi Arabia Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement,” he noted.
He further expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s continued support of Pakistan’s economic stability, describing it as “deeply appreciated.”
Both leaders also exchanged views on matters of mutual interest and reaffirmed their commitment to continued close cooperation.
Earlier, Shehbaz arrived in Jeddah on an official visit to the Kingdom along with a high-level delegation.
He and his delegation were received at the airport by Prince Saud bin Mashaal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Makkah Region, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Maliki, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmed Farooq.
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi, and the Prime Minister’s spokesperson for foreign media Mosharraf Zaidi are also accompanying him.
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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to undertake a three-nation visit, beginning with Saudi Arabia, as Pakistan intensifies diplomatic engagement amid evolving regional tensions, sources told Geo News on Tuesday.
According to the well-placed sources, the visit, initially reported only to Saudi Arabia, has been rescheduled, with the premier expected to meet key leadership across the region to discuss pressing diplomatic and security matters.
PM Shehbaz will first travel to Saudi Arabia, followed by Qatar, and conclude his tour in Turkiye, the sources added. The trip to friendly countries will focus on consultations over diplomatic developments and regional stability.
The prime minister is scheduled to meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, where both sides will discuss key bilateral issues, the sources said.
“Important bilateral matters between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia will come under discussion,” they said, adding that regional and global developments, including Islamabad Talks, will also be part of the agenda.
The sources further said consultations with the friendly nations are expected on the situation surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and the next round of US-Iran talks, as tensions continue to shape regional dynamics.
Both sides are also expected to deliberate on strengthening Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations, with a focus on enhancing cooperation across multiple sectors.
Pakistan has been thrust into the international spotlight as it plays the role of a mediator between the US and Iran to end the war in the Middle East.
The much-anticipated talks in Islamabad, which ran from Saturday into early Sunday, were the first direct US-Iranian meeting in more than a decade and the highest-level discussions since Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution.
The negotiations came days after a ceasefire began last Tuesday, aimed at ending six weeks of fighting that has killed hundreds of people across the Gulf, throttled vital supplies of energy and sparked fears of a wider regional conflict.
A formal agreement was not reached after the intense 21-hour discussions, and following that, the US military began blockading all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas, jeopardising a fragile two-week ceasefire.
Reuters, citing four sources, has reported that negotiating teams from the United States and Iran could return to Islamabad this week.
