pm shahbaz sharif visit to saudi arabia

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif says bilateral relations and economic partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are getting stronger and deeper.

In a statement issued on the conclusion of his visit to Saudi Arabia, he said a business delegation from the Kingdom will soon visit Pakistan. He said the visit of Saudi business leaders will further expedite economic partnership between the two countries.

The Prime Minister expressed the resolve to work hard to materialize the understanding reached at the leadership level. Shehbaz Sharif said the economic partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia has started new era of bilateral relations between the brotherly relations of the two countries.

Terming his three-day visit to Saudi Arabia as historic, Shehbaz Sharif said exchange of two high-level delegations took place in last two months. 

On the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Riyadh, the Prime Minister also held meetings with world leaders to promote mutual cooperation in multilateral sectors as well as trade and investment.

Regarding the situation in Palestine, the Prime Minister categorically stated that peace in the world will remain elusive till tranquility is established in Gaza.

He also thanked Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman for his warm hospitality and love for Pakistan. He appreciated the Crown Prince for issuing special instructions to Saudi Ministers regarding Pakistan.

Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged Saudi Ministers' efforts in ensuring implementation of the understanding reached between both the countries at the leadership level. 

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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Pakistan here after wrapping up his three-day visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

Earlier upon his departure at the Jeddah International Airport, the prime minister was seen off by Governor Jeddah Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.

During his visit, Prime Minister Sharif met with Crown Prince and Prime Minister of KSA Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and discussed further fortifying of the fraternal relations between the two brotherly nations and exploring avenues for enhanced collaboration across various sectors.

The federal cabinet members and Punjab chief minister accompanied the prime minister during the visit.

The prime minister performed Umrah and offered Nawafil inside Ka’aba as he was granted access inside ‘Baitullah’, as a special gesture.

The prime minister prayed for the country’s progress and prosperity, the Muslim Ummah’s unity and global peace.

Prime Minister Shehbaz specially prayed for the salvation of the oppressed Muslims, particularly those of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and Palestine from the illegal subjugation.

“Pakistan and KSA have longstanding fraternal relations rooted in religious and cultural affinity. The leadership of both countries is committed to advancing the fraternal ties and mutually rewarding economic and investment relations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in a press statement, prior to the prime minister’s visit, had said.

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Pakistan PM Sharif to meet Saudi crown prince on Riyadh visit

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Indian PM Modi arrives in Kyiv for talks with Ukraine's Zelenskiy

India's Narendra Modi arrived in wartime Kyiv on Friday for talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, the first trip by an Indian prime minister to Ukraine since Kyiv gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif three-day visit to Saudi Arabia from 28-30 April 2022

Press Release

Jeddah: 28-Apr-2022

On the invitation of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif arrived in the holy city of Madina for his three-day visit to Saudi Arabia from 28-30 April 2022.

Madina Governor Faisal bin Salman Al Saud along with several top Saudi officials received the Prime Minister at the airport.

Prime Minister Shehbaz is accompanied by federal ministers and parliamentarians, including Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Muftah Ismail, Shahzain Bugti, Marriyum Aurangzeb, Khawaja Asif, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Mohsin Dawar and Molana Tahir Ashrafi.

This is the Prime Minister’s first foreign visit after assuming the post of Prime Minister.

During the visit, the prime minister would have bilateral interaction with the Saudi leadership, with particular focus on advancing economic, trade and investment ties and creation of greater opportunities for the Pakistani workforce in Saudi Arabia.

The prime minister will also pay his respects at the Roza e Rasool (PBUH) and perform Umra.

On this occasion, the two friendly countries will also discuss issues of mutual interest, especially various regional and international issues.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are bound by brotherly ties based on a timeless tradition of mutual trust and understanding, close cooperation and mutual support.

The people of Pakistan regard the custodian of the Haramen Sharifen with great respect.

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Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif to visit Saudi Arabia today

The saudi crown prince is also expected to visit pakistan next month.

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Published: Mon 24 Oct 2022, 12:02 AM

Last updated: Mon 24 Oct 2022, 12:04 AM

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will be on a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia on Monday, ARY News reported.

During his visit, Sharif would participate in the Saudi Investment Summit (SIS) and meet with Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman and King Salman bin Abdul Aziz. The visit is taking place at the invitation Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman's invitation, reported ARY News.

The media portal while quoting sources said that the Crown Prince is also expected to visit Pakistan next month. The visit is taking place against the backdrop of the Organisation of Oil Exporting Countries (Opec+) decision to cut oil production.

Pakistan has also reacted to the Opec+ decision and expressed support for Saudi Arabia over its decision while on the other hand, it has irked the United States.

"We appreciate the concerns of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for avoiding market volatility and ensuring global economic stability," Pakistan's Foreign Office said in a statement.

"Pakistan encourages a constructive approach on such issues based on engagement and mutual respect," the statement added. "We reaffirm our long-standing, abiding and fraternal ties with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," it noted, reported ARY News.

Opec+, the producer group comprising the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) plus allies including Russia, agreed to reduce two million barrels per day from November.

Pakistan has decided to side with Saudi Arabia as the kingdom continues to be at loggerheads with the United States over the cut in oil supply in the international market.

Incidentally, Pakistan's decision to back Saudi comes days after Biden called Pakistan one of the most "dangerous" nations in the world.

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Pakistan PM Sharif heads to Saudi for first foreign visit

Islamabad (AFP) – Pakistan's new Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif begins his maiden foreign trip Thursday to Saudi Arabia, seeking financial support from a country where he spent years in exile.

Issued on: 28/04/2022 - 11:10

The kingdom has long been an intelligence partner for Pakistan as well as a regular source of relief for its struggling economy.

"Today I am embarking on a visit to Saudi Arabia to renew & reaffirm our bonds of brotherhood & friendship," Sharif said on Twitter Thursday, adding that the country "has a special place in all our hearts".

Sharif was sworn in earlier this month after parliament ousted his predecessor Imran Khan in a no-confidence vote.

He inherited crippling national debt, galloping inflation and a feeble rupee, but has vowed to use "Pakistan speed" to hurry along development projects and jump-start an economic recovery.

His delegation was expected to include Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the 33-year-old scion of Pakistan's most influential political dynasty who was appointed foreign minister on Wednesday.

Talks are expected to focus "on advancing economic, trade and investment ties and creation of greater opportunities for the Pakistani workforce in Saudi Arabia", according to a statement from Pakistan's foreign ministry.

Saudi Arabia hosts more than two million Pakistanis, the statement said.

Family ties

Sharif is the younger brother of three-time prime minister Nawaz Sharif, and the family has close ties to Saudi royals.

Nawaz and Shehbaz Sharif, along with other relatives, went into exile in Saudi Arabia in 2000 after a coup ousted Nawaz the previous year.

They did not return to Pakistan until 2007.

"The Sharif family have traditionally had very good relations with the kingdom and this visit serves (Shehbaz Sharif's) interest" in showing that to his domestic audience, said Saudi political analyst Ali Shihabi.

Yet those connections may have less value as power in Saudi Arabia consolidates under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom's de facto ruler, said Arif Rafiq, an expert on Pakistan and president of the Vizier Consulting risk advisory firm.

"I think a basic aim of this visit by Sharif would be to reset relations with (Prince Mohammed) and establish the terms of what is probably going to be a much more transactional partnership," Rafiq said.

Saudi Arabia, the world's biggest crude exporter, already supports Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves and has established a mechanism for selling oil to Pakistan on deferred payment, he said.

"The Pakistanis might ask Riyadh for additional deposits in its central bank because its external account is under severe stress," he added.

A detailed itinerary was not available Thursday, though the statement from Pakistan's foreign ministry said the visit would last until Saturday.

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Pakistani pm to visit saudi arabia from april 6-8, expected to meet crown prince — fo.

https://arab.news/6zw5z

• Sharif last traveled to Saudi Arabia during his first term as prime minister in October 2022
• Sharif met crown prince during the visit, attended Saudi Future Investment Initiative Summit

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani foreign office said on Friday Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would travel to Saudi Arabia from April 6-8 on the premier’s first foreign visit since his election and was expected to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during the trip.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy strong trade, defense and cultural ties. The Kingdom is home to over 2.7 million Pakistani expatriates and serves as the top destination for remittances to the cash-strapped South Asian country.

“The Prime Minister is expected to meet the Crown Prince and Prime Minister HRH Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz and discuss issues of mutual interest,” the foreign office said in a statement announcing the PM’s visit. “The leaders will also exchange views on regional and global developments.”

Sharif will be accompanied by the ministers of finance, economic affairs, defense and information. He will perform Umrah and offer prayers at the Masjid Nabwi Al-Sharif in Madinah.

“The leadership of both countries is committed to advancing the fraternal ties and mutually rewarding economic and investment relations,” the foreign office said. 

The Saudi government has not yet commented on the visit or its agenda. 

Sharif last traveled to Saudi Arabia during his first term as PM in October 2022. He met the crown prince during the visit and also attended the Saudi Future Investment Initiative Summit. 

• This article originally appeared on Arab News Pakistan 

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In Yemen’s Hodeidah governorate, KSrelief handed out 3,000 cartons of dates.

In El Salvador, it delivered 100 tonnes of dates for the UN World Food Programme’s feeding project.

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7th tanween creativity conference set on oct. 31-nov. 6 in dhahran.

• Around 60 resource persons from around the world will be participating in conference, which goes with the theme "Fail Forward"
• The conference "seeks to change the perception of failure by making setbacks a natural part of the design process"

DHAHRAN: Preparations are underway for the seventh edition of the annual Tanween creativity conference, which will take place October 31 to November 6 at the Ithra Center in Dhahran, the Saudi Press Agency reported Friday.

Around 60 resource persons from around the world will be participating in conference, which goes with the theme "Fail Forward," said the report, quoting an announcement by the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra).   

This year's conference will feature workshops, training sessions, exhibitions, and other events aimed at achieving tangible results in the field of design, Ithra said.

It added that the conference "seeks to change the perception of failure by making setbacks a natural part of the design process."

"The conference also aims to embrace failure as part of the creative process, in which each experience offers lessons leading to innovative discoveries and valuable experiences that help the creative community continue to advance and turn challenges into opportunities for growth and success," the center said.

In line with the aims of the conference, Ithra called on creators and innovators to develop design solutions that enhance and enrich the Hajj experience through three main tracks: "Communication" to improve and develop guidance and direction services, "Waste Management" to reimagine the process during the Hajj season, and "Health" to find new ways to reduce pilgrims' fatigue.

It invited all interested parties to submit their projects before October 24 via the website: https://www.ithra.com/ar/special-programs/tanween/tanween-2024-fail-forward/tanween-mega-challenge-enriching-pilgrims-journey.  

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Future of ai key focus of top global summit in riyadh.

• 300 participants from 100 countries expected Sept. 10-12
• Innovation, ethics, impact on smart cities will be discussed

RIYADH: Registration is now open for the third edition of the Global AI Summit from Sept. 10 to 12 at the King Abdulaziz International Convention Center in Riyadh, the Saudi Data and AI Authority announced on Thursday.

In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency, the SDAIA said some 300 experts, policymakers, thought leaders and influencers from 100 countries will speak during the three-day event.

There will be around 120 panel discussions and workshops, during which participants will discuss AI’s impact on industry, smart cities and ethics of doing business, the SDAIA stated.

The speakers include Cristiano Amon, president and CEO of Qualcomm Inc., Dr. Samer Al-Moubayed, co-founder and CEO of Furhat Robotics, Caroline Yap, global managing director of Google Cloud, and Saad Toma, general manager of IBM Middle East & Africa.

Also expected to speak are Asha Saxena, founder and CEO of Women Leaders in Data and AI, Dr. Masoud Nikravesh, CEO and founder of AilluminateX, and Prof. Tony Chan, former president of the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology.

For more details on registration and events visit https://globalaisummit.org/en/default.aspx or the X platform at @globalaisummit.

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Gea announces theme, identity of saudi national day.

• GEA called on all government and private entities to use the approved branding for the 94th National Day

RIYADH: The Saudi General Entertainment Authority (GEA) announced on Thursday the identity of the 94th Saudi National Day, which falls on September 23, under the slogan “We Dream and Achieve,” Saudi Press Agency reported.

SPA added that the identity, which has been extended since last year, highlighted the mega projects that are part of Saudi Vision 2030, representing Saudi Arabia’s position and pioneering role in all fields.

The GEA called on all government and private entities to use the approved branding for the 94th National Day.

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Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif leaves for Saudi Arabia on first foreign visit

The prime minister departed for Saudi Arabia in a commercial airline for a visit from April 6 to 8, the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) said.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday embarked on his maiden foreign visit to Saudi Arabia to meet the Saudi leadership and discuss issues of mutual interest.

Sharif, who assumed office as Pakistan’s prime minister for a second time last month, is accompanied by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and other ministers and senior officials.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also accompanied the prime minister, the report said.

Sharif will also perform Umrah (in Makkah) and offer prayers at the Masjid Nabwi Al-Sharif (in Medina) during the visit from April 6 to 8 during the last days of Ramzan.

The Prime Minister is expected to meet the Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammad bin Salman and discuss issues of mutual interest. The leaders will also exchange views on regional and global developments.

During his stay, multiple development projects would be finalised, whereas bilateral cooperation in several sectors including agriculture continues between the two countries, Dawn.com said, quoting sources.

They said Saudi Arabia was expected to invest USD 1 billion in the Reko Diq project as well.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have long-standing fraternal relations rooted in religious and cultural affinity. The leadership of both countries is committed to advancing their fraternal ties and mutually rewarding economic and investment relations, according to the Foreign Office here.

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Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif in Saudi Arabia for first foreign visit

Asia pakistan.

‘Embarking on visit to Saudi Arabia to renew & reaffirm our bonds of brotherhood’

RIYADH: Pakistan’s new Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif began his maiden foreign trip on Thursday, arriving in Saudi Arabia.

“Today I am embarking on a visit to Saudi Arabia to renew & reaffirm our bonds of brotherhood and friendship,” Sharif said on Twitter, adding that the country “has a special place in all our hearts”.

He landed in Medina, one of the two holiest cities in Islam along with Mecca, where he was greeted by regional officials and planned to pray at the Prophet’s Mosque, the official Saudi Press Agency reported.

Sharif was sworn in earlier this month after parliament ousted his predecessor Imran Khan in a no-confidence vote.

He inherited a crippling national debt, galloping inflation and a feeble rupee, but has vowed to use “Pakistan speed” to hurry along development projects and jump-start an economic recovery.

His delegation was expected to include Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the 33-year-old scion of Pakistan’s most influential political dynasty who was appointed foreign minister on Wednesday.

Talks are expected to focus “on advancing economic, trade and investment ties and creation of greater opportunities for the Pakistani workforce in Saudi Arabia”, according to a statement from Pakistan’s foreign ministry.

Saudi Arabia hosts more than two million Pakistanis, the statement said.

Family ties

Sharif is the younger brother of three-time prime minister Nawaz Sharif, and the family has close ties to Saudi royals.

Nawaz and Shehbaz Sharif, along with other relatives, went into exile in Saudi Arabia in 2000 after a coup ousted Nawaz the previous year. They did not return to Pakistan until 2007.

“The Sharif family have traditionally had very good relations with the kingdom and this visit serves (Shehbaz Sharif’s) interest” in displaying that to his domestic audience, said Saudi political analyst Ali Shihabi.

Yet those connections may have less value as power in Saudi Arabia consolidates under Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, said Arif Rafiq, an expert on Pakistan and president of the Vizier Consulting risk advisory firm.

“I think a basic aim of this visit by Sharif would be to reset relations with (Prince Mohammad) and establish the terms of what is probably going to be a much more transactional partnership,” Rafiq said.

Saudi Arabia, the world’s biggest crude exporter, has bolstered Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves and allows deferred payment for bilateral oil sales, he said.

“The Pakistanis might ask Riyadh for additional deposits in its central bank because its external account is under severe stress,” he added.

A detailed itinerary was not available Thursday, though the statement from Pakistan’s foreign ministry said the visit would last until Saturday.

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Pm shehbaz lands in riyadh for two-day visit.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif landed in Riyadh on Monday for a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia to attend the Saudi Future Investment Initiative Summit, often referred to as ‘Davos in the Desert’, and hold consultations with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

PM Shehbaz was received by Riyadh Governor Prince Faisal Bin Bandar Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud at the airport. The premier was accompanied by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb and other officials.

Prior to his departure, a statement by the Foreign Office (FO) said PM Shehbaz’s official trip to Saudi capital Riyadh was scheduled following an invitation by Prince Salman, who was named the kingdom’s prime minister last month.

During his stay in Riyadh, PM Shehbaz would hold consultations with the Saudi crown prince to review the longstanding fraternal relations, with a view to further strengthening the multifaceted cooperation, especially in the economic field, the FO statement said.

It added that the premier would also attend the Saudi Future Investment Initiative Summit, an annual feature since 2017.

Confirming his attendance at the summit, the PM tweeted: “The present state of the global economy needs new thinking and bold vision to overcome the irritants and forge new paths.

“There are serious concerns about the threat of global recession hitting the economies. The pandemic and climate-induced disasters have already put immense strains on developing countries. High time the world explored solutions to the deepening challenges through candid dialogue.”

The conference is hosted by the Future Investment Initiative Institute which, though not officially associated with the Saudi government, operates under the patronage of Prince Salman.

Earlier, an official told Dawn that PM Shehbaz would be one of the key speakers at the conference and use the occasion to highlight investment opportunities in Pakistan.

This year, the conference’s theme is “Investing in Humanity: Enabling a New Global Order”. The edition runs from Tuesday to Thursday with 6,000 delegates from different parts of the world participating, including top corporate executives of multinationals, policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs and young leaders.

The investment conference, whose second edition in 2018 was eclipsed by the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi , is being held this year in the shadow of a US-Saudi spat over Opec’s oil production cut .

Opec+, the producer group comprising the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) plus allies including Russia, had earlier this month agreed to reduce two million barrels per day from November at a meeting in Vienna — a move that angered the US.

Following the announcement, US President Joe Biden vowed to impose “consequences” on Saudi Arabia for siding with Russia in supporting the cuts.

According to a Dawn report, US officials have not been invited by organisers to this year’s event because of the rift.

The organisers say they do not want politics to take centerstage and instead keep the focus on the business at the conference. However, nearly 400 top US business executives have confirmed their participation in the event, the report said.

For its part, Pakistan has sided with the kingdom in the row over the oil production cut.

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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to undertake a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia starting from Monday to attend the "Davos in the desert" summit – an initiative of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman to expand the Kingdom's role beyond oil in the global economy.

Hundreds of delegates from around the world including government officials, business leaders and even CEOs of American companies are attending the two-day Future Investment Initiative summit in Riyadh. The conference will kick off on Tuesday.

Official sources confirmed that Prime Minister Shehbaz is visiting Saudi Arabia on the invitation of Saudi crown prince. He will attend the two-day conference and is scheduled to meet the Saudi leadership.

The Davos in the desert is taking place at a time when Saudi Arabia and the US clashed over Riyadh's move to cut oil supplies despite request by President Biden to the contrary. The US officials were not invited to the investment summit, according to the organisers. However, 400 CEOs from different American companies will be in attendance. A strong Chinese delegation will be in Riyadh highlighting Saudi Arabia's push to diversify its options and look beyond the West.

Pakistan considers the conference as an opportunity to draw world's attention towards the climate-induced floods. 

Shehbaz is visiting Saudi Arabia as the Saudi crown prince is also planning to visit Pakistan next month. Prime Minister Mohammad bin Salman is expected to travel to Islamabad next month on a crucial visit Pakistan is hoping will lead to yet another financial bailout package from the oil-rich Arab nation.

Though officials are tightlipped and not sharing details of the visit, sources confirmed to The Express Tribune that the two countries were in touch to prepare for the visit. Foreign office did not respond when asked to confirm the visit.

There are reports that the Saudi crown prince may make a stopover in India on his way to Indonesia in mid-November, to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit is expected to last a few hours on November 14, and both leaders are expected to depart for Bali to attend the G-20 summit there on November 15-16, according to Indian media.

While MBS is keen to travel to Islamabad, there are concerns that the visit may be delayed or put on hold if Imran Khan decided to launch the much-anticipated long march against the government.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif invited the Saudi de facto ruler on a visit to Pakistan when he visited Saudi Arabia in July.

Read more: Pakistan sides with Saudi Arabia over its tension with US

The visit comes at a time when the coalition government led by Shehbaz is facing an imminent long march of former prime minister Imran Khan and when Saudi Arabia is involved in a diplomatic row with the United States over the recent cut in oil supplies by major exporting countries.

Pakistan in a surprise and significant move took a public stance on the US-Saudi row and backed Riyadh’s position.

“To me it was quite unprecedented and surprising when Pakistan took a public position on an issue where we don’t have any direct role,” commented a policy expert, who previously worked with the government to bring investment in the country. He requested not to be named because of the sensitivity of the issue.

But the statement in favour of Saudi Arabia at this juncture may help Pakistan get the much needed financial support from Riyadh.

The US has been furious over the OPEC+ move to cut oil supplies by 2 million barrels a day despite request by President Joe Biden to the contrary.

Biden warned that Saudi Arabia will have to face consequences of the decision and that his administration would revisit the 80-year long bilateral relationship with the Arab country.

Against this backdrop, the visit of the Saudi crown prince would be closely watched. Sources said the government was keen to revive the multibillion dollar investment plan that Saudi Arabia had agreed to do in Pakistan when MBS visited Islamabad in February 2019.

As part of the plan, Saudi Arabia was to set up an oil refinery in Gwadar with an investment of $10 billion. However, the project could not take off due to a variety of reasons including former PM Imran Khan’s certain policy moves that angered the Saudi leadership.

But now Saudi Arabia is willing to revive the project. Pakistan is meanwhile pushing for Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and China tripartite agreement for the oil refinery. It is said that China would provide the necessary financing while Chinese companies would undertake the project.

Also given Pakistan’s precarious economic situation with dwindling foreign reserves, Islamabad is hoping for financial assistance from Riyadh. Saudi Arabia has already rolled over $3 billion that Pakistan was supposed to repay in December.

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