- PM Shehbaz extends greetings to Saudi leadership on Kingdom’s National Day, reiterates stronger partnership
- Praises Saudi solidarity during May 2025 tensions with India, economic support
- Meets Austrian chancellor, agrees to enhance trade, tourism, and education cooperation
- Holds talks with Kuwaiti crown prince; focus on trade, investment, and manpower export
- Joins world leaders at 80th UNGA opening; to attend Arab-Islamic summit with Trump
NEW YORK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to further deepen its enduring partnership with Saudi Arabia, describing the bond between the two nations as rooted in Islam, history, brotherhood, and mutual trust. He also expressed Pakistan’s keen desire to expand cooperation with Austria and Kuwait across diverse sectors during bilateral engagements on sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly session, according to state media.
In a televised message marking Saudi Arabia’s National Day, observed annually on September 23, the prime minister extended warm greetings to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, and the Saudi people.
He recalled the solidarity expressed by Saudi leadership during Pakistan’s tensions with India in May 2025, and the Kingdom’s economic support that strengthened Pakistan’s economy. Delivering his message in Arabic, Shehbaz said the Pakistani people would “always remember” Saudi Arabia’s timely support.
The premier noted that his recent visit to Riyadh was marked by “unparalleled hospitality and love,” expressing deep gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He lauded Saudi Arabia’s developmental strides under the crown prince’s leadership, calling its global standing “a shining example of vision and wisdom.”
Highlighting the contributions of millions of overseas Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia, he said they were playing a vital role in the Kingdom’s progress while strengthening bilateral relations. Concluding his message, he prayed for Saudi Arabia’s continued prosperity, raising slogans of “Long live Pakistan-Saudi brotherhood” and “Long live the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
Bilateral engagements in New York
On the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly session, Prime Minister Shehbaz met Federal Chancellor of Austria Christian Stocker and discussed ways to broaden bilateral cooperation. The two leaders identified trade, tourism, climate change, and education as priority areas for collaboration and agreed to exchange delegations to boost tourism.
The Austrian chancellor expressed readiness to explore new avenues of cooperation and appreciated Pakistan’s interest in strengthening ties.
Later, Shehbaz also met Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Crown Prince of Kuwait, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, livestock, manpower export, and health.
He recalled the historic bonds of brotherhood between the two countries and thanked Kuwait for its solidarity after last year’s floods. The prime minister also conveyed his respects to Kuwait’s Amir, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and looked forward to hosting the crown prince in Pakistan later this year.
Both leaders also discussed regional and international developments, with the Kuwaiti crown prince praising Pakistan’s efforts to highlight the plight of Palestinians and its role in promoting peace in the Middle East.
Joined world leaders at opening of General Debate of 80th UNGA Session
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Shehbaz joined world leaders at the opening of the General Debate of the 80th UNGA Session. He was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi.
Shehbaz will also attend a special summit of Arab and Islamic countries, co-hosted by the United States and Qatar, where he has been specially invited. US President Donald Trump is also expected to participate.
During his stay, the prime minister is scheduled to hold meetings with World Bank President Ajay Banga, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, and address the high-level Global Development Initiative meeting on the theme “Recommit to our Original Aspirations, United to Build a Brighter Future of Global Development.”
