ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s President Arif Alvi and Saudi Arabia’s King Salman expressed satisfaction and appreciation at the renewed impetus in relations between the two countries, a statement released by the Foreign Office on Friday read.
The meeting between the two leaders took place in Riyadh, on Wednesday, wherein they discussed bilateral relations, regional issues, and matters of mutual interest.
“King Salman warmly welcomed the president and congratulated him on his election. He underscored the importance of the time-tested Pak-Saudi relationship, and said that the relations between the two brotherly countries were excellent at all levels,” the statement released late on Thursday night read.
“The King also commended the positive role played by Pakistani expatriates in the progress and development of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” it added.
President Alvi, on his part, acknowledged the close bonds of friendship and brotherhood enjoyed by the two countries, based on shared faith, culture, and values and the commonalities shared by two on several regional and international issues.
“Recalling the recent visit by Prime Minister Imran Khan, the president hoped that the bilateral relationship would be further strengthened in the days to come.”
He commended the progress made by the Kingdom under Vision 2030, adding that “Pakistani expatriates would continue to play a positive role toward the development of both countries.”
The president reached Saudi Arabia on Sunday to perform Umrah, marking his first visit to the Kingdom since assuming office in September this year.
Pakistan, Saudi bilateral ties on the right track — Foreign Office
Pakistan, Saudi bilateral ties on the right track — Foreign Office
- King Salman lauds positive role played by Pakistani expatriates in the progress and development of the Kingdom
- President Alvi acknowledges commonalities shared by the two countries on regional and international issues
Pakistan’s PIA enters into cargo deal with Air France-KLM to boost exports
- As per agreement, PIA’s freight division will gain access to Air France-KLM’s network of European, American cities
- Exporters will be able to use both PIA, Air France–KLM’s networks under a single air waybill, says Pakistani airline
KARACHI: The recently privatized Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) announced on Wednesday that it has entered into a cargo agreement with global aviation group Air France-KLM to expand its global outreach and push Pakistani exports to more international markets.
The PIA said its agreement with Air France-KLM came into force on Jan. 15. Air France-KLM operates in 320 destinations and is a global aviation player in passenger, cargo and maintenance businesses.
As per the agreement, PIA Cargo, the airline’s freight division, will gain access to Air France–KLM’s global network. Through the deal, PIA Cargo will gain access to Air France–KLM’s global network via Dubai, Riyadh and Dammam.
Air France-KLM’s network includes major European cities such as Amsterdam, Paris, Brussels, Frankfurt, Stuttgart and Düsseldorf, and New York, Atlanta and Los Angeles, the PIA said.
“Significant improvement is expected in the exports of Pakistani products and access to global markets,” the PIA said in a statement.
Exporters will be able to use both the PIA’s and Air France–KLM’s networks under a single air waybill, the airline said.
An air waybill is a document used in international air shipping that serves as a legal, non-negotiable contract between the shipper and the airline.
In November 2025, PIA and Biman Bangladesh Airlines signed a Cargo Interline Special Agreement to expand cargo business and augment bilateral trade. The partnership aims to minimize logistical complexities in transporting commodities.
The PIA was Pakistan’s national flag carrier until a Pakistani consortium, led by the Arif Habib Group, secured a 75 percent stake in the airline in December for Rs135 billion ($482 million). Pakistan had previously attempted to reform the debt-ridden airline, which had accumulated more than $2.8 billion in financial losses over the years.
PIA’s new owner Arif Habib announced last week that the airline is in talks with aerospace manufacturers Boeing and Airbus as it plans to revamp service and expand its current fleet.
The PIA has said it plans to increase the airline’s fleet to 64 aircraft from the current figure of 19 over the next eight years.
