ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman today during a day-long state visit to the Kingdom, Pakistan’s foreign office confirmed on Wednesday. Both leaders will discuss regional and global developments and finalize cooperation in multiple areas.
Sharif has traveled to Saudi Arabia several times since taking office, including twice this year, to strengthen trade, investment, and economic ties. In October last year, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed 34 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and agreements worth $2.8 billion to expand private sector cooperation and commercial partnerships.
This visit comes amid heightened volatility in the Middle East, where Israel has expanded its military campaign, striking several regional countries. The campaign included a 12-day war with Iran and an airstrike on Qatar earlier this month, as Qatar attempted to mediate a ceasefire and hostage negotiations between Israel and Hamas.
Earlier this week, Sharif also met the Saudi crown prince on the sidelines of an emergency Arab-Islamic summit in Doha, which convened in support of Qatar after Israel targeted Hamas leaders there.
“Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif is undertaking a state visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 17 September 2025 at the invitation of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman,” the foreign office said. “He will be accompanied by key members of the Cabinet.”
According to the foreign office, Sharif and the crown prince will exchange views on regional and global developments and review the full spectrum of Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations. Officials expect the visit to formalize cooperation across diverse fields and deepen bilateral ties.
The statement highlighted that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia share a historic relationship rooted in faith, values, and mutual trust. “The Prime Minister’s visit will allow the two leaders to consolidate this unique partnership while exploring new avenues of collaboration for the benefit of both peoples,” it added.
Pakistan views Saudi Arabia as one of its closest strategic and economic partners. The Kingdom has supported Islamabad during prolonged economic challenges by providing external financing and assisting with International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan programs.
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Saudi Arabia also remains Pakistan’s largest source of foreign remittances, with over 2.5 million expatriates residing there. These remittances play a vital role in sustaining Pakistan’s fragile $350 billion economy amid external pressures and macroeconomic difficulties.
