Prime Minister Imran Khan concluded his three-day official visit to Saudi Arabia after signing several agreements with the top leadership in the kingdom to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
The premier arrived in the Kingdom on Friday alongside high-ranking Pakistani officials at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the two leaders held wide-ranging bilateral and delegation-level talks in Jeddah.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have long enjoyed cordial relations based on the high reverence we accord to them. Let’s take an in-depth review of PM Imran’s visit to the Kingdom.
The visit
Usually, the Pakistani PM visiting Saudi Arabia is a norm and not an anomaly given the close and strategic nature of ties between the two countries. However, the same can’t be said about the recent visit. The reason is that this visit took place against the backdrop of a hiccup in ties between the two countries.
The apparent friction between both countries prevented high-level contacts for over a year. The breakthrough only came when Saudi Crown Prince held a telephonic conversation with PM Imran in March. But before that conversation, the two countries are reported to have been working quietly to overcome irritants.
The situation was much different as the prime minister arrived in Jeddah where the Saudi Crown Prince was himself present at the airport to receive him. This was an unusual gesture from the Saudi leadership and there was extensive coverage in Saudi media.
Number of MoUs signed
The 3-day official visit was very important as the leadership of two countries during their interaction had the main focus on economic cooperation, facilitation of greater investment and trade. During the visit the two sides signed a number of Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) to deepen economic, political and defence ties. 1
The details of agreements and MoUs included: an agreement on establishment of the Saudi-Pakistan Supreme Coordination Council, an agreement on transfer of convicted prisoners, a cooperation agreement in the field of combating crimes, an MoU on combating illicit traffic in narcotics, psychotropic substances, drugs and presursor chemicals; a framework MoU between Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) and Islamic Republic of Pakistan for financing projects in energy, hydropower generation, infrastructure, transport & communication and water resource development.
Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman has also assured Prime Minister Imran Khan to continue support to his vision to transform Pakistan into a developed and modern welfare state. Saudi Arabia will also return 1,100 Pakistani prisoners who are languishing in prisons in the Kingdom.
Opportunity for Pakistan
Saudi Arabia will be open for new economic partnerships and talent hunt under the Vision 2030. It is a good opportunity for Pakistan. Although Pakistan enjoys excellent brotherly relations, these ties can be further strengthened by adopting a wise policy.
Pakistan should work to get maximum jobs for its nationals in Saudi Arabia by building a strong base of skilled labour force. Pakistan can also join hands to improve the human and social capital of Saudi Arabia through the provision of quality educationists and medical staff.
Pakistan should work with Saudi Arabia on concrete proposals in different areas including water conservation, climate smart cities, etc. The kingdom’s food market is another area, where Pakistan can make a huge difference. Renewed focus and emphasis on entertainment and sport events can also open fresh avenues for Pakistan.
