Saudi crown prince's visit 'a manifestation of strength of bilateral ties': PM Imran

We want Saudi Arabia as safe and secure as we want Pakistan to be, says premier

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman's visit to Pakistan is a manifestation of the strength of bilateral ties, said Prime Minister Imran Khan during an interview with a Saudi media outlet.

Prince Mohammad bin Salman is visiting Pakistan on a two-day official trip to the country starting from Sunday.

In response to a Saudi Gazette question about how he saw the importance of the visit of the crown prince and what difference would it make to the country, PM Imran said: "This longstanding, firm and close relationship extends to all spheres – political, economic, and diplomatic."

The royal visit will strengthen the diplomatic support of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan and will "reinforce our relations", he added. "I am confident that the economic relations of the two countries will be further expanded by identifying new avenues of investment and as well as joint ventures between the two countries."



The prime minister said, "The crown prince also interact with key senior government officials of Pakistan, besides myself, and will get to know Pakistan and its government better.

"Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are two brotherly countries. This visit will go a long way in laying a foundation of strategic and economic relations that has been the hallmark of our two brotherly countries."

The generous deposit of $3 billion and supply of oil on deferred payment is reflective of the desire of the kingdom to see a strong, vibrant and prosperous Pakistan, Premier Imran maintained.

On being questioned about Mohammad bin Salman's maiden visit to the country as crown prince and the issues to be discussed during the royal visit, the premier said: "All aspects of bilateral, regional and global issues, ranging from bilateral cooperation in the economic, diplomatic, political arenas to collaboration in regional peace and stability, especially of relevance to the Muslim Ummah will be discussed."

Pakistan is a highly attractive investment destination for Saudi Arabia, he added.

He also talked about the possibilities of Saudi investment in sectors like energy, petroleum, and agriculture and infrastructure development will come under discussion.



"In the diplomatic sphere, the two nations can join hands to effectively to mobilise the international community for amicable resolution of festering disputes such as Kashmir and Palestine."

PM Imran went on to say that Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have similar stances on regional and global security and this visit will be an opportunity to discuss key regional and global security issues.

The two brotherly countries can also exert their energies and influence in facilitating peace process in Afghanistan.

For strengthening of Muslim Ummah, "Pakistan and Saudi Arabia can effectively utilise the platform of OrganiSation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)", the premier said.

Responding to a questions about Saudi Arabia's decision to establish an oil refinery in Gwadar, and how he saw the future of Saudis being part of the CPEC and how would it would impact on fostering investment in Gwadar, the prime minister said: "Saudi Arabia as one of the leading producers of oil, has tremendous experience in the  energy market, which could benefit Pakistan in our quest for developing much needed resources of energy."



Pakistan would also like to develop an economic and cultural corridor with Saudi Arabia to further expand the bilateral relations, he maintained, he said, adding that Pakistan would like to increase its agricultural exports to not only Saudi Arabia but also to other regional countries as well, given the range, fertility and productivity of Pakistan’s agricultural sector.

"Pakistan looks forward to enhanced cooperation in the banking sector, education sector, science and technology, trade and investment, construction sector and cultural cooperation especially, in the field of films and cinemas, and tourism."

On being asked about Pakistan-China Gwadar project in terms of whether Pakistan would benefit from it or will it only play the role of a corridor,  the prime minister said: "The CPEC will not just be a corridor, as is indicated by our government’s focus on the next phase of CPEC where we are going to focus on the Special Economic Zones."

A Saudi oil refinery planned in Gwadar would help boost local production and local energy market, he added.

On being inquired about the incentives will the Pakistani government offer to Saudi investor, the premier said: "Multiple contracts are expected to be signed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia during the visit of Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman."

Responding to the his government response in dealing with terrorism, PM Imran said that terrorism is a big menace that has to be countered with an iron hand. "Being the biggest victim of terrorism, Pakistan knows its ugliness and costs more than any other country in the world."

Hr added: "Saudi Arabia is very close to our heart in every respect.... We want Saudi Arabia as safe and secure as we want Pakistan to be."

This story originally appeared in the Saudi Gazette