ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan embarked on a three-day official visit to Saudi Arabia on Friday.
According to PMO’s statement, the Prime Minister is accompanied by a delegation comprising senior ministers, and other members of his cabinet.
During the visit, the two sides are expected to sign a number of bilateral agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs), mostly focused on the Saudi Green, the Middle East Initiative, and the Clean and Green Pakistan Movement.
The premier will consult with Saudi leadership on almost all areas of bilateral cooperation, including economics, trade, investment, energy, job opportunities for the Pakistani workforce, and welfare of Pakistani diaspora in KSA, the Foreign Office said.
Alongside his meeting with Mohammed bin Salman, PM Khan will also hold meetings with the Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Dr. Yousef Al-Othaimeen, Secretary-General of the World Muslim League, Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, and the Imams of the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madina.
The premier is also scheduled to interact with the Pakistani community in Jeddah, and will also raise the issue of Islamophobia in the West, including the recent pressure move from the European Parliament regarding the withdrawal of GSP plus status.
The visit that comes on the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is expected to improve the strained ties between the two countries.
The PMO’s statement said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have long-standing and historic fraternal relations, based on mutual respect, love, brotherhood, and shared Islamic faith.
“The people of Pakistan hold the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in the highest esteem. The relationship is marked by close cooperation in all fields and mutual collaboration on regional and international issues, in particular those faced by the Muslim Ummah. Saudi Arabia is a member of the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir,” it added.
