Shehbaz, MBS reaffirm strategic Pakistan–Saudi partnership

JEDDAH: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday expressed Pakistan’s full solidarity with Saudi Arabia amid rising regional tensions, commending the Kingdom’s “exemplary restraint” and describing its leadership as a stabilising force for peace in the Middle East.

The prime minister made the remarks during a “warm and cordial” nearly two-hour-long meeting with Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah, where both leaders held detailed discussions on the evolving regional situation and broader geopolitical developments.

Accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, PM Shehbaz conveyed Pakistan’s condolences over the loss of lives in the recent regional escalation and reiterated that the people of Pakistan stood firmly with Saudi Arabia in a moment of heightened uncertainty.

He briefed the Saudi leadership on Islamabad’s ongoing diplomatic initiatives aimed at de-escalation, including efforts that contributed to a ceasefire framework involving the United States and Iran, as well as the recent round of high-level engagement hosted in Islamabad. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s continued commitment to facilitating dialogue between the parties to secure a durable peace settlement.

The crown prince, according to official statements, appreciated the constructive role played by Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership — particularly Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir — in supporting regional peace efforts.

Both leaders exchanged views on bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction over the depth of Pakistan–Saudi ties, particularly in economic cooperation, defence collaboration, and strategic alignment. PM Shehbaz thanked the Saudi leadership for its consistent support in stabilising Pakistan’s economy and highlighted the importance of expanding cooperation across new sectors.

The two sides reaffirmed that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia share a “unique and historic relationship,” anchored in religious affinity, mutual trust, and longstanding strategic cooperation, including under the framework of the Pakistan–Saudi Arabia Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement.

They also underscored their shared commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties and maintaining close coordination on regional and international issues of mutual concern, particularly in light of ongoing instability in the Middle East.

Earlier upon arrival in Jeddah, PM Shehbaz was received by Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region Prince Saud bin Mushaal bin Abdulaziz, along with Saudi and Pakistani ambassadors, reflecting the high importance attached to the visit.

In a post on X, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar described the meeting as being marked by “warmth, brotherhood, and a shared vision for a stronger Pakistan–Saudi Arabia partnership,” adding that both sides had explored avenues to deepen cooperation across multiple fields.

The ongoing visit forms part of PM Shehbaz’s broader diplomatic tour of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Türkiye from April 15 to 18, aimed at strengthening regional partnerships and advancing Pakistan’s peace diplomacy amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Against the backdrop of ongoing regional instability, the Jeddah meeting highlighted both countries’ alignment on the importance of restraint, dialogue, and coordinated diplomacy as essential tools to prevent further escalation and preserve regional stability.