ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani foreign office said on Friday Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would travel to Saudi Arabia from April 6-8 on the premier’s first foreign visit since his election and was expected to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during the trip.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy strong trade, defense and cultural ties. The Kingdom is home to over 2.7 million Pakistani expatriates and serves as the top destination for remittances to the cash-strapped South Asian country.
“The Prime Minister is expected to meet the Crown Prince and Prime Minister HRH Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz and discuss issues of mutual interest,” the foreign office said in a statement announcing the PM’s visit. “The leaders will also exchange views on regional and global developments.”
Sharif will be accompanied by the ministers of finance, economic affairs, defense and information. He will perform Umrah and offer prayers at the Masjid Nabwi Al-Sharif in Madinah.
“The leadership of both countries is committed to advancing the fraternal ties and mutually rewarding economic and investment relations,” the foreign office said.
The Saudi government has not yet commented on the visit or its agenda.
Sharif last traveled to Saudi Arabia during his first term as PM in October 2022. He met the crown prince during the visit and also attended the Saudi Future Investment Initiative Summit.
• This article originally appeared on Arab News Pakistan
