PM lands in Riyadh amid diplomatic flurry

High-profile visit underscores Islamabad's commitment to Riyadh

JEDDAH:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday arrived in Jeddah on a visit to Saudi Arabia at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

The prime minister is accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir and other senior ministers.

The high-profile delegation underlined the strategic importance Islamabad attaches to consultations with Riyadh at a time of heightened regional tensions. While the Foreign Office said the visit would focus on strengthening bilateral ties and reviewing regional developments, officials indicated that Pakistan's diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions in the Gulf would also figure prominently in discussions.

Upon arrival, the Deputy Governor of Makkah, Prince Saud bin Mashal bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Minister of Agriculture, Water and Environment, Engineer Abdul Rahman bin Abdul Mohsen Al Fadhli, Pakistani Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ahmed Farooq, and senior diplomatic officials warmly welcomed the Prime Minister and the Pakistani delegation.

During the visit to Saudi Arabia, the Prime Minister would meet with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to further strengthen the long-standing brotherly relations and partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and discuss the situation in the region.

The Prime Minister would perform Umrah during his visit and would also pay visit to the Roze-e-Rasool of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) in Medina.

(With input from our correspondent)