Crown prince invites PM Imran to visit Saudi Arabia

PM says developing ties with Saudi Arabia a top priority for Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz has invited Prime Minister Imran Khan to visit the kingdom on his way back from New York where he would be attending the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session.

The Saudi crown prince extended the invitation during a telephonic conversation between the two leaders.

During the conversation, the premier said that it was Pakistan's top priority to develop relations with Saudi Arabia. He described Saudi Arabia as a friend that Pakistan trusts and thanked the crown prince for his efforts and support.

 



"Pakistan cannot forget Saudi Arabia's constant standing in all adversities and difficult times," he said.

In response, the Saudi crown prince praised the distinguished relations between the two countries and lauded the efforts of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to strengthen their ties in different fields.

The crown prince also expressed that the Saudi leadership was keen to support Pakistan in all fields.

Imran visited Saudi Arabia last year in September in his first foreign trip after assuming office. The premier visited the kingdom for the second time in October to attend a key investment conference in Riyadh.



After the visit of the prime minister, Saudi Arabia announced to provide a $6 billion lifeline to Pakistan on an annual basis in the shape of cash assistance and oil on deferred payments.

The kingdom also agreed to reduce visa fees for Pakistanis.

Saudi Arabia agreed to bail out Pakistan during the second visit of the prime minister, as the agreement could not be reached during his September visit to the kingdom.