Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif departs for official visit to Saudi Arabia

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif left for Saudi Arabia on Thursday for a brief official visit, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

The visit takes place against the backdrop of heightened tensions in the Middle East. Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, have recently faced attacks from Iran, which Tehran has stated are directed at US and Israeli targets in retaliation for large-scale deadly strikes by those countries.

The PMO noted that the prime minister is travelling to Saudi Arabia at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. During his stay, Prime Minister Shehbaz is scheduled to meet with the Saudi crown prince. The official statement outlined that the two leaders will “exchange views on the ongoing tensions in the region, the regional security situation and bilateral relations between the two countries.”

The PMO further emphasized the significance of the visit, stating, “This visit is highlighting Pakistan’s positive role in the diplomatic arena, and Pakistan will continue to play this role.”

Further details regarding the prime minister’s engagements and outcomes of the visit are expected to be released in due course.