PM Imran arrives in Saudi Arabia on three-day visit

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday arrived in Saudi Arabia on a three-day official visit, according to Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

As the prime minister landed at King Abdulaziz International Airport of Jeddah along with a high-level delegation, he was warmly received by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz as a special gesture.

Other senior Saudi officials as well as those from the Pakistan embassy in Saudi Arabia were also present at the airport.

Accompanied by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and federal cabinet members, the prime minister is visiting the Kingdom at the invitation of the Saudi Crown Prince.

Besides Foreign Minister Qureshi, Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed, Senator Faisal Javed and other senior officials are also part of the official delegation.

The flags of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were lined up along the route of the prime minister to the hotel from the airport.

During the visit, the prime minister would meet the Saudi Crown Prince which would follow the signing of MoUs for enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade and other areas.

The two sides will hold delegation-level talks to discuss areas of bilateral cooperation including economy, trade, investment, energy and job opportunities for the Pakistani workforce, and welfare of Pakistani diaspora in the Kingdom.

“During the visit, the prime minister’s consultations with the Saudi leadership will cover all areas of bilateral cooperation including economic, trade, investment, energy, job opportunities for Pakistani workforce, and welfare of Pakistani diaspora in the Kingdom,” a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said.

The two sides would also exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. A number of bilateral agreements/MoUs (memorandum of understanding) are expected to be signed during the visit as well.

“The prime minister will also meet the Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Dr Yousef Al-Othaimeen, the Secretary-General of the World Muslim League, Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa and the Imams of the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Medina,” the officil statement said.

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It further added that the premier would also interact with the Pakistani diaspora in Jeddah.

The MoFA further said that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have long-standing and historic fraternal relations, rooted deep in common faith, shared history and mutual support.

“The people of Pakistan hold the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in the highest esteem,” it added.

“The relationship is marked by close cooperation in all fields and mutual collaboration on regional and international issues, in particular those faced by the Muslim Ummah. Saudi Arabia is a member of the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir.”

Saudi Arabia is home to more than two million Pakistanis, contributing towards the progress and prosperity of both countries, the communiqué stated.

“Regular high-level bilateral visits continue to play a pivotal role in providing impetus to the fraternal ties and close cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia,” the press release concluded.

On May 4, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa reached Riyadh to meet Saudi civil and military leadership in what seemed to be part of the preparation of the prime minister's visit.