PM Shehbaz calls for deeper Pak-Saudi economic ties post Makkah Defence Pact

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif underscored on Friday that Saudi Arabia and Pakistan must focus their energies towards deepening economic and agricultural ties to translate their longstanding relationship into a stronger, mutually beneficial trade and investment partnership.

H.E. Engineer Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley, Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad today, according to a statement.

PM Shehbaz said that the recently signed Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan had brought the three countries even closer together and sent a message of unity and peace throughout the region.

He expressed satisfaction with the engagement between the two sides, particularly regarding Pakistan’s export of agricultural products to the Kingdom, the statement said.

“Both sides also exchanged views on enhancing agricultural productivity in Pakistan, through the use of technology, research & development and more efficient use of water resources.”

During the meeting, PM Shehbaz also announced that a delegation of agricultural experts from Pakistan would soon visit Riyadh to carry forward these discussions with a view to realising the full potential of the partnership.

Meanwhile, the Saudi minister thanked the premier for hospitality extended to him and his delegation and reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Pakistan across the agriculture, water and food security sectors.