Pakistan’s new Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, is visiting Saudi Araba this week in a bid to strengthen ties with the Kingdom and possibly gain more financial support, in what is his first foreign trip since assuming office earlier this month.
Landing in the Islamic holy city of Madinah yesterday, where he and his delegation were welcomed by regional officials, Sharif stated on Twitter that “Today I am embarking on a visit to Saudi Arabia to renew & reaffirm our bonds of brotherhood and friendship”. He added that the Kingdom “has a special place in all our hearts”.
The itinerary of the Prime Minister’s visit was not revealed, but he was expected to pray at the Prophet’s Mosque in the holy city, and a statement by Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry clarified that the visit will last until Saturday. According to the statement, talks between officials and the leadership of both countries are expected to focus “on advancing economic, trade and investment ties and creation of greater opportunities for the Pakistani workforce in Saudi Arabia”.
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