ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday discussed expediting trade, investment and energy cooperation between Islamabad and Riyadh in a telephonic conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, according to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy long-standing and historic fraternal relations, rooted deep in common faith, shared history and mutual support. Over 2.5 million Pakistani expatriates live and work in the kingdom, making it a huge source of remittances for the South Asian country.
After assuming office in April, Sharif went on a three-day official visit to the kingdom, his first official foreign trip as Pakistan’s prime minister.
During the telephone call, PM Sharif conveyed his deep respect for King Salman bin Abdulaziz. The crown prince, in return, congratulated Sharif and Pakistanis on the country’s 75th Independence Day anniversary.
“The Prime Minister and the Crown Prince reviewed the progress made on the decisions taken by the two sides during the visit of the Prime Minister in April 2022,” the PMO statement said. “They resolved to expedite the ongoing cooperation in investment, energy and trade fields.”
Sharif thanked the Saudi crown prince for the kingdom’s historic support for Pakistan in its times of need. “The Prime Minister thanked the Crown Prince for the economic and development support provided to Pakistan in recent times,” the PMO said.
PM Sharif once again invited the crown prince to visit Pakistan, which he accepted.