https://arab.news/cxw2b
- Sharif said this in a phone call with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to congratulate him on becoming PM
- Pakistan, Saudi Arabia enjoy strong relations and the Kingdom is home to over 2.7 million Pakistani expatriates
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan looks forward to transforming its historic relations with Saudi Arabia into a “comprehensive strategic partnership,” PM Shehbaz Sharif told Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in a telephonic conversation on Saturday.
Sharif expressed his gratitude to the Saudi Crown Prince for the telephonic call to congratulate him on his election as the Pakistan prime minister.
Sharif, who previously served as PM from April 2022 till August 2023, took oath as prime minister for a second term after Pakistan parliament this month elected him with a majority of votes.
“Conveyed my sincerest wishes & prayers for the health and well-being of the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Salman bin Abdul Aziz,” Sharif wrote on X.
“Look forward to working closely with HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to transform the deep rooted, historic fraternal Pakistan-Saudi Arabia ties into a comprehensive strategic partnership.”
The development comes amid Pakistan’s efforts to tread a tricky path to economic recovery under Sharif. The South Asian country is currently holding talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a second review of its ongoing $3 billion bailout program that expires next month.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy strong trade, defense and brotherly relations. The Kingdom is home to over 2.7 million Pakistani expatriates, serving as the top destination for remittances for the cash-strapped South Asian country.
The Kingdom has also frequently bailed Pakistan out in difficult times.