https://arab.news/jfcmc
- PM Sharif is expected to discuss inclusive growth, regional collaboration and energy issues at the gathering
- He will also attend the Islamic Summit Conference in Gambia on May 4 to discuss Islamophobia and Palestine
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Riyadh on Saturday to attend a two-day special conference of the World Economic Forum (WEF).
The WEF meeting on global collaboration, growth and energy will be held in the Saudi capital on April 28-29, according to PM Sharif’s office.
The prime minister was extended an invitation to attend the meeting by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Professor Klaus Schwab, the WEF executive chairman.
“Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has arrived in the Saudi capital Riyadh,” said an official statement circulated in Islamabad.
“At Riyadh’s Royal Airport, the Deputy Governor of the Riyadh Region, His Highness Prince Muhammad bin Abdul Rahman bin Abdul Aziz, the Ambassador of Pakistan in Saudi Arabia, and other diplomatic staff welcomed the Prime Minister,” it added.
Prior to his departure, the PM Office said Sharif would be accompanied by a high-level delegation including foreign minister Ishaq Dar and finance minister Muhammad Aurangzeb.
“The Prime Minister and the Ministers will participate in WEF discussions on issues related to trade and investment measures, new investment frameworks, restructuring of supply chains, sustainable growth, and the energy landscape,” it added.
Sharif’s participation in the forum will afford Pakistan an opportunity to highlight its priorities in global health architecture, inclusive growth, revitalizing regional collaboration, and the need for striking a balance between promoting growth and energy consumption.
“On the margins of the main event, the Prime Minister and his delegation will hold bilateral meetings with world leaders, including the Saudi leadership, heads of international organizations, and other prominent figures participating in the event,” the statement added.
The prime minister will also attend the 15th session of the Islamic Summit Conference organized by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on May 4-5 in the Gambian capital of Banjul to discuss a variety of regional and global issues, including Palestine, Islamophobia, climate change and the status of minorities, the Pakistani state-run APP news agency reported.
The session will be held under the slogan “Enhancing Unity and Solidarity through Dialogue for Sustainable Development,” according to a press release issued by the OIC General Secretariat.
The Islamic Summit is a principal organ of the OIC focused on the formulation, development, and implementation of decisions made by 57 member states. It is attended by concerned heads of state such as prime ministers, presidents, emirs and other equivalent heads.