ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif began a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh on Wednesday, with the two leaders expected to review bilateral ties, strengthen economic cooperation and exchange views on regional developments, the premier’s office said.
Sharif’s trip comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East, following Israel’s Sept. 9 airstrikes in Doha targeting Hamas leaders. The Pakistani leader had also met the crown prince on the sidelines of the Arab-Islamic summit in Qatar last week, where he pledged full support for Doha.
The Prime Minister’s Office said Crown Prince Mohammed personally received Sharif at the royal court, where he was greeted with a guard of honor by Saudi armed forces.
“During the bilateral meeting, all aspects of Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations will be reviewed in detail,” the Prime Minister’s Office said. “The two leaders will also exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.”
The statement added that progress on enhancing cooperation in various sectors is expected during Sharif’s visit.
