PM Sharif to embark on three-day visit to Saudi Arabia from Thursday

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will leave for his first foreign visit to Saudi Arabia since assuming the top political office of his country on Thursday, confirmed the foreign ministry on Wednesday.
Sharif, 70, is the younger brother of former premier Nawaz Sharif. He was elected as prime minister on April 11 following a constitutional crisis that culminated in the ouster of Imran Khan in a no-confidence vote.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke to him over the phone on April 16 to congratulate him and invited Sharif to visit the kingdom during their conversation.
“On the invitation of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif will visit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 28-30 April 2022,” said the foreign office.
The prime minister will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including key members of the cabinet.
“During the visit, the Prime Minister will have bilateral interaction with the Saudi leadership, with particular focus on advancing economic, trade and investment ties and creation of greater opportunities for the Pakistani workforce in Saudi Arabia,” the statement said.
The two sides will also exchange views on a range of regional and international issues of mutual interest.
Pakistan has deep-rooted ties with Saudi Arabia, with nearly 2.5 million of its nationals living in the kingdom, contributing to the progress, prosperity and economic development of the two brotherly countries.
“The Prime Minister’s visit to Saudi Arabia will impart a strong impetus to deepening bilateral cooperation in diverse fields and further reinforce the growing partnership between the two countries,” the statement said.

PM Sharif to embark on three-day visit to Saudi Arabia from Thursday