Pakistan PM begins Saudi visit with strategic talks, Umrah in Makkah

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday on a three-day official visit during which he is scheduled to hold talks with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman on strengthening bilateral cooperation and reviewing regional developments.

Sharif was received upon arrival in Jeddah by Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Eng. Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley, Pakistan's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmad Farooq and senior diplomatic officials, according to the Prime Minister's Office.

The prime minister is leading a high-level delegation that includes Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi.

The visit comes as Pakistan and Saudi Arabia continue to broaden a strategic partnership that has expanded beyond traditional political and defence cooperation to include investment, economic collaboration, internal security, sports and institutional engagement. 

Over the past year, the two countries have advanced cooperation through high-level exchanges, including new agreements on security cooperation and the development of an international-standard cricket stadium in Jeddah, reflecting efforts to deepen long-term bilateral ties.

According to the Prime Minister's Office, PM Sharif and Saudi crown prince will discuss "ways to further strengthen the longstanding brotherly relations and partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia" and exchange views on "the regional situation."

Pakistan's Foreign Office said the visit reflects the "longstanding partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia anchored in decades of mutual trust, cooperation and brotherhood."

The Foreign Office added that although the visit is taking place "against the backdrop of heightened tensions in the Gulf," it "carries significance beyond the immediate crises and short-term considerations."

"It will further strengthen bilateral relations, deepen strategic cooperation, enhance coordination on regional and international issues of mutual interest, and reinforce multilateral cooperation," the ministry said in a curtain raiser issued ahead of the visit.

On Friday, Sharif and members of the Pakistani delegation performed Umrah in Makkah.

According to the Prime Minister's Office, the delegation, which included Dar, Field Marshal Asim Munir, Khawaja Asif and Attaullah Tarar, was granted the honor of a special visit inside the Holy Kaaba before performing Umrah.

Following the pilgrimage, PM Sharif, Field Marshal Asim Munir and members of the delegation offered prayers for "Pakistan's progress and prosperity, the well-being of the Muslim Ummah, and regional and global peace," the Prime Minister's Office said.

The prime minister is also scheduled to visit the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah during the visit.