ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday departed for Saudi Arabia on a brief, hours-long visit, his office said, amid an ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The visit comes at a time of increased volatility in the region, following Unites States-Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran’s counterattacks on US bases in several Gulf countries as well as commercial and oil infrastructure, raising the spectre of a wider war.
Sharif, expected to discuss regional security and diplomatic coordination with Saudi leaders, is visiting the Kingdom on the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, according to the prime minister’s office.
“Sharif will meet His Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman,” the former’s office said.
“The meeting between the two leaders will discuss the ongoing tensions in the region, the regional security situation and the bilateral relations between the two countries.”
