'No parallel to Pakistan, KSA ties', says Shehbaz

Premier says both countries identified areas of mutual cooperation at B2B and G2G levels during recent visits

KARACHI:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Monday that Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's relationship (KSA) has remained "unparalleled" for the past seven decades.

In an exclusive interview with Al Arabiya English, the PM discussed the deep ties between the two nations, stressing their unmatched connection. He underscored mutual understanding and shared emotions between the two countries.

Speaking of the recent talks between the two countries' representatives and business delegations' visits, the premier said that the two countries identified areas of cooperation at the government-to-government (G2G) and business-to-business (B2B) levels. "We now have a clear-cut way forward for investment in the fields of mines and minerals and renewable energy," he said.

He said Pakistan's delegation was currently in Riyadh with a specific focus on advancing investment opportunities in solar energy.

Moreover, the PM highlighted the agriculture sector's potential and expressed confidence in collaborative efforts between Pakistan and the KSA to boost agricultural production. "This includes improvements in the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, wheat, sugarcane, and cotton," he added.

The PM added, “Pakistan is well poised to benefit from Saudi Arabia's experience and expertise in the field of Information Technology.” He expressed confidence that cooperation in the IT sector will further integrate the two countries.

PM Shehbaz said, “It has been a tradition that any head of state elected in Pakistan has to make their first visit to the Kingdom, and this tradition will continue.”

Furthermore, he hailed KSA’s foreign minister's visit to Pakistan with a high-level delegation, adding both nations concluded a very productive investment conference.

Read Pakistan sweetens terms to lure Saudi investment

He added that the visit assures MBS and King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz’s seriousness and sincerity towards enhancing relations with Pakistan in the fields of investment, trade, culture, and youth development.

The PM hailed MBS’s efforts "backed by his dynamic and visionary leadership in transforming KSA over the past eight years".

He said, “The Crown Prince's vision of 2030 is a role model not only for Pakistan but for many countries of the world.”

Shehbaz hoped both nations would work like a "family" and produce results like "never before".

It was reported last week that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was set to visit Pakistan this month, potentially opening doors for vital investments from the “brotherly country".

His impending visit comes after a prolonged delay. His last trip to Pakistan was in February 2019.

Initially scheduled for late 2022, the visit was postponed and subsequent attempts to finalize new dates were hindered by political uncertainties and Pakistan's elections.

However, sources revealed that the prince has now accepted an invitation from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who has made two recent visits to Riyadh.

Preceding the crown prince's visit, a high-powered Saudi delegation, including prominent businessmen, visited Islamabad, engaging in discussions with Pakistani counterparts to explore investment opportunities.

The visit was part of ongoing efforts by the government to woo Saudi investment, a key strategy being followed by a civil-military-led initiative to pull the country out of economic troubles.