Shehbaz Sharif, Saudi Crown Prince MBS agree to enhance cooperation in trade, investment

ISALAMBAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman to offer Eid greetings to him on Tuesday.

The prime minister also expressed good wishes for Khadim ul-Haramain us-Sharifain Shah Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud and the people of his country. He congratulated the Saudi leadership and government on the completion of a successful Haj operation and especially taking care of Pakistani pilgrims. Reiterating close fraternal relations between the two countries, the prime minister cited the strong foundations of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, which have strengthened with the passage of time.

The prime minister discussed bilateral initiatives and projects with the Saudi Crown Prince and both leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in various sectors, particularly trade and investment.

They agreed to work closely to implement the decisions made during the Pakistan PM’s visit to Saudi Arabia in April. The prime minister reiterated his invitation to the Crown Prince to visit Pakistan, which he accepted.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephonic conversation with President of Iran Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi and exchanged with him Eid greetings besides discussing bilateral relations. Underscoring the significance of historical ties between the two countries, marked by geographical proximity, shared history and mutual understanding, the prime minister reaffirmed his government’s commitment to boost bilateral relations in all areas of mutual cooperation, including trade, energy, electricity and people-to-people contacts. He added that the early convening of the Joint Economic Commission (JEC) would strengthen economic linkages between the two countries.

The prime minister also hoped that Border Sustenance Markets would soon become functional to facilitate livelihood in the border region.