ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif departed for a short official visit to Saudi Arabia on Thursday as tensions in the Middle East continue to intensify with no clear signs of de-escalation.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the visit is being made at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. During the trip, the two leaders are expected to hold discussions on the evolving regional security situation, ongoing conflict in the Middle East, and bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
The visit comes as hostilities in the region have intensified following clashes involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, with Tehran launching strikes it says target US and Israeli interests in response to earlier large-scale attacks.
Officials say the meeting between Sharif and the Saudi crown prince will focus on the broader security landscape and ways to strengthen Pakistan-Saudi relations. The Prime Minister’s Office also stressed that the visit reflects Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement and role in promoting regional stability.
Earlier, Pakistan’s spokesperson for foreign media Mosharraf Zaidi said Islamabad would stand by Saudi Arabia whenever required, emphasizing the long-standing strategic partnership between the two countries.
Meanwhile, Asim Munir, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, visited Saudi Arabia earlier this month where he met Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud. Their discussions focused on the growing security challenges following Iranian drone and missile attacks on the kingdom.
The two sides also reviewed possible joint measures under the Pakistan-Saudi Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement signed last year.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar recently stated that Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement had helped prevent further escalation and heavier Iranian strikes on Saudi territory.
Officials maintain that Pakistan is actively working through diplomacy to prevent the conflict from widening and destabilizing the region further.
