Riyadh, September 17, 2025: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Riyadh on Wednesday for an official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.
The prime minister is accompanied by senior cabinet members. During the visit, he is scheduled to hold talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) to review the full spectrum of Pakistan–Saudi Arabia ties and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual concern.
According to the Foreign Office, the visit is expected to formalize new avenues of cooperation, reflecting the shared commitment of both nations to deepen their strategic partnership. “Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy a historic relationship rooted in shared faith, values, and mutual trust,” the FO said, adding that the trip provides an opportunity to consolidate ties and explore fresh collaboration.
Since assuming office, PM Shehbaz has made several visits to the Kingdom. In October 2024, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed 34 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) to enhance private sector collaboration and boost trade and investment. This year alone, the premier visited Saudi Arabia twice: in March (March 19–22) to focus on trade and economic cooperation, and again in June (June 5–6) during Eidul Adha.
Earlier this week, PM Shehbaz also met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the sidelines of the emergency Arab-Islamic summit in Doha, convened to show solidarity with Qatar following Israeli airstrikes on September 9. The two leaders discussed the regional situation and Israel’s aggression.
During that meeting, the prime minister lauded MBS’s leadership in uniting the Muslim Ummah at a critical juncture and reaffirmed Pakistan’s diplomatic support at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) — where Pakistan is a non-permanent member — as well as within the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The Saudi crown prince, in turn, acknowledged Pakistan’s active role in multilateral forums in expressing solidarity with Qatar.
