( Asghar Ali Mubarak )
ISLAMABAD (TNS) Pak-Saudi relations have traditionally been friendly. The perspectives of the two brotherly countries on most of the world’s issues have been almost the same. These relations are also distinguished in that both material and spiritual aspects are important here. The Kaaba Sharif is our Qibla in Saudi Arabia and 2 million Pakistanis also work in this vast country who send valuable foreign exchange to their country. Saudi Arabia ranks first in the world in terms of remittances from overseas Pakistanis. Defense cooperation is the backbone of Pakistan-Saudi relations. From military training to joint exercises, both countries have come a long way in military capability and this cooperation is still ongoing. Saudi Arabia has abundant funds, while Pakistan has bright investment opportunities. CIFC is the highest forum for investment in Pakistan, which is chaired by the Prime Minister and the Army Chief is a member of this forum. This is a one-window operation so that foreign investors do not have to go through many offices. Foreign relations have many dimensions, such as political cooperation where both countries take the same or similar stance in the UN and OIC etc. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have the same position on the Kashmir and Palestine issues and are now fighting together against Islamophobia.
The second and very important dimension of our relations is military cooperation. The third dimension is bilateral trade, which has been discussed in the second meeting to increase it and now investment is about to increase, which will improve Pakistan’s growth rate, open new employment opportunities and increase exports and add a new fuel to the relations between the two brotherly countries.
The successful investment of the brotherly country Saudi Arabia in Pakistan will also encourage other countries in the Gulf and beyond to invest in our beloved homeland. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Muhammad bin Salman have expressed satisfaction over the growing economic cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and agreed to work together at all levels to promote a shared vision for peace, stability and prosperity in the region. A statement issued by the Media Wing of the PM Office said that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Muhammad bin Salman, in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. The meeting emphasized the importance of the strong and historic relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and discussed ways to enhance cooperation in the economic, trade, investment, energy and defense sectors. Both leaders expressed satisfaction over the growing economic cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The Prime Minister appreciated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to increase investment in key sectors, which will contribute to Pakistan’s economic growth and stability. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen defense and security cooperation, recognizing the importance of joint efforts to address regional security challenges. The two leaders also discussed the evolving regional situation as well as the political landscape of the region. They agreed to work together at all levels to promote their shared vision for peace, stability and prosperity in the region. The Saudi Crown Prince acknowledged the significant contributions of the Pakistani community in Saudi Arabia and agreed to increase measures for their welfare. The two leaders stressed the need to further strengthen people-to-people contacts, cultural exchanges and educational cooperation. The Prime Minister and the Crown Prince reiterated their commitment to take the Pakistan-Saudi partnership to new heights guided by mutual respect, shared interests and a shared vision of progress and prosperity. Earlier, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif was also called on by Saudi Minister for Investment Khalid Al-Falih and Head of the Joint Task Force for Economic Engagement, Muhammad Al-Tuwaijri. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with the two Saudi officials to discuss strengthening economic cooperation, bringing more Saudi investment to Pakistan and accelerating joint initiatives in key sectors. The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to facilitating Saudi investors and highlighted Pakistan’s strategic position and investment-friendly policies. He emphasized Pakistan’s vast potential in energy, infrastructure, agriculture and technology and invited Saudi businesses to explore business opportunities under the Special Investment Facilitation Council. Saudi Minister Khalid Al-Falih and Task Force Head Mohammed Al-Tuwaijri expressed Saudi Arabia’s keen interest in further deepening economic ties with Pakistan. They discussed enhancing institutional cooperation to accelerate investment projects and ensure their implementation. Both sides agreed to further strengthen Pakistan-Saudi economic partnership through systematic engagements and expeditious implementation of joint projects. During this time, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Minister for Climate Change Mosaddiq Malik, and National Coordinator (SIFC) Lieutenant General Sarfaraz Ahmed were present to assist the Prime Minister. Saudi Arabia is home to millions of Pakistanis who send billions of dollars in foreign exchange each year, which is a key player in Pakistan’s economy. Saudi Arabia has stood by Pakistan in every difficult moment. Pakistan is recognizing the kingdom’s progress under Vision 2030 as a valuable model. There are many lessons for Pakistan to learn from Saudi Arabia’s leadership in economic reforms as it embarks on its own structural transformation. Saudi Arabia is well ahead of its Vision 2030 targets.
