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Pakistan and Saudi Arabia set to sign major deals during Imran Khan's visit
Dubai - Pakistani PM to begin official visit to Saudi Friday evening.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are expected to sign major deals worth billions of dollars in defence, energy and information technology sectors during Prime Minister Imran Khan's visit to the kingdom starting on Friday, Khaleej Times has learnt.
Prime Minister Imran Khan will arrive in Saudi Arabia on a three-day official visit Friday evening and attend a reception that will be attended by top Saudi government officials. He will also meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss latest developments in the region.
Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmoud Qureshi, Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed, Senator Faisal Javed and other senior officials are also part of the official delegation.
The two sides will hold delegation-level talks to discuss areas of bilateral cooperation, including economy, trade, investment, energy and job opportunities for the Pakistani workforce, and welfare of Pakistani diaspora in the Kingdom.
"Pakistan and Saudi Arabia will enter into several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) in trade and other important areas during the visit of the prime minister. The signing of MoUs will take place in Jeddah after the Imran Khan meeting with Saudi Crown Prince," according to an official.
Busy schedule for Imran Khan
The prime minister’s visit to Saudi Arabia is important in the backdrop of recent regional developments as the two countries enjoy a strong economic and military relationship with an opportunity to further strengthen the bond.
Several Pakistani prisoners in Saudi to be released
The prime minister will meet the Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Dr Yousef Al Othaimeen, Secretary-General of the World Muslim League Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al Issa and the Imams of the two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah.
Perform Umrah
The prime minister will perform Umrah in Makkah and pay his respects at the Roza-e-Rasool (Peace be upon Him) in Madinah.
He will also interact with the Pakistani diaspora in Jeddah, according to the Foreign Office.
Major deals on the cards
"Saudi Arabia and Pakistani relations are economically significant and the Prime Minister visit will further strengthen the bilateral relations," Samiullah Tariq, head of research at Pakistan Kuwait Investment, said on Friday.
He said millions of Pakistanis have been working in Saudi Arabia and every year they contribute a major share in remittances.
"Saudi Arabis has played a major role whenever Pakistan has been in need. The improvement in relations will serve as a buffer for Pakistan’s balance of payments," Tariq told Khaleej Times.
He said major deals are expected to be signed in defence, energy, renewable and IT sectors.
"The government has already provided incentives for the energy sector while significant ground work has also been undertaken for a multi-billion refinery in Balochistan," he said.
Moreover, there has been work going on in the renewable energy sector as well, he added.
Pakistan army chief meets Crown Prince
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa is already in Saudi Arabia and called on Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, First Deputy Prime Minster and Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in Jeddah on Friday.
"Matters of mutual interest, regional security situation including recent developments in the Afghan peace process, bilateral defence, security, collaboration for regional peace and connectivity were discussed during these meetings," according to the ISPR.
General Qamar Javed Bajwa said that Pakistan is resolute in its commitment to safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Saudi Arabis and defence of the Two Holy Mosques. The Crown Prince acknowledged Pakistan’s role towards regional peace and stability.
The Crown Prince also said that the relations between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are based on bonds of brotherhood and mutual trust and both nations will continue to play their part for peace, stability and betterment of Muslim Ummah.
Pakistan supports Saudi Vision 2030
Pakistan fully supports the Saudi Crown Prince’s Vision 2030 that includes ‘Saudi Green Initiative’ and the ‘Green Middle East Initiative’ which are closely aligned with Pakistan’s ‘Clean & Green Pakistan Initiative’. Both initiatives call for investing in nature-based solutions to address climate change.
Pakistan has made significant contributions towards augmenting the security of Saudia Arabia through strong military-to-military ties. Former Pakistan army chief General Raheel Sharif is heading the Saudi-led military alliance against terrorism.
As regional cooperation among Muslim countries is need of the hour especially in the face of challenges like Islamophobia, Pakistan has recently welcomed Saudi Arabia’s initiative for peace with Iran, expressing confidence that it will lead to unity among the Muslim world.
muzaffarrizvi@khaleejtimes.com
(With inputs from APP)
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