KARACHI: Pakistan's Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Saudi Investment Minister Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih met in Davos this week, resolving to strengthen ongoing bilateral cooperation by working closely together and maintaining high-level contact, Pakistan's Finance Division said. 

Islamabad and Riyadh have moved closer to broaden their cooperation in recent months, signing a landmark defense pact in September 2025 and agreeing to launch an economic cooperation framework a month later to strengthen bilateral trade and investment relations. 

Aurangzeb met Al-Falih during the sidelines of the 56th annual World Economic Forum (WEF) summit in Davos on Thursday, Pakistan's Finance Division said in a statement. The two sides reviewed ongoing cooperation and reviewed progress on existing and planned projects across various sectors, the statement added. 

"Both sides reiterated their strong resolve to expand bilateral collaboration by working closely together, strengthening institutional linkages and maintaining regular high-level contacts," Pakistan's Finance Division said on Thursday.

"They agreed that sustained engagement and mutual understanding would help translate shared objectives into concrete and mutually beneficial initiatives."

The Finance Division said Al-Falih appreciated Pakistan's importance and potential, particularly its natural resources, strategic location and emerging opportunities for investment.

"The meeting concluded in a positive and forward-looking spirit, with both ministers expressing confidence that closer partnership and continued dialogue would further strengthen economic and investment ties between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," the statement said. 

The two countries enjoy cordial relations dating back decades and firmly grounded in shared values, culture, faith and economic ties. The Kingdom is home to over two million Pakistani expats, making it the largest source of foreign remittances for cash-strapped Pakistan. 

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed 34 business agreements worth $2.8 billion across multiple sectors in 2024, further strengthening their economic cooperation. 

Riyadh has also bailed Pakistan frequently out of economic crises over the years, providing it crucial loans and oil on deferred payment basis.