Saudi Foreign Minister Leads High-Level Delegation to Pakistan for Economic Talks

Islamabad, The Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, led a high-profile ministerial delegation to Pakistan from April 15-16, 2024, aimed at bolstering bilateral economic cooperation between the two nations.

According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the visit followed recent discussions between Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, focusing on accelerating economic partnerships. The delegation, comprising Saudi Ministers of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and Industry and Mineral Resources, along with other key officials, engaged in extensive talks with Pakistani leaders including the President, Prime Minister, and the Chief of Army Staff.

During their stay, Prince Faisal and Pakistani Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar co-chaired the ‘Saudi Arabia-Pakistan Investment Conference,’ which featured sector-wise discussions and explored opportunities for Saudi investments in diverse fields such as energy, mining, and agriculture. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and facilitating Saudi investments under new legal and administrative frameworks established by Pakistan’s Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).

The conference highlighted the mutual interest in deepening economic links, with the Saudi delegation expressing appreciation for Pakistan’s investment environment and discussing potential investment projects. Both countries’ technical teams delved into specific proposals, setting the stage for future collaborations in key sectors.

Additionally, the two foreign ministers addressed a joint press conference, expressing their concerns about the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. They emphasized the deep-rooted and multifaceted relationship between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, underscoring the strategic vision driving their continued cooperation.

The visit underscores a series of high-level engagements intended to enhance the strategic and economic cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, reflecting a shared commitment to achieving substantial progress in their bilateral relations.