Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Jeddah on Thursday on an official visit to Saudi Arabia at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

Upon his arrival, the prime minister and the accompanying Pakistani delegation were warmly received by Deputy Governor of Makkah Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmed Farooq, and senior diplomatic officials.

A high-level Pakistani delegation is accompanying the prime minister, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi.

During the visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz is scheduled to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss ways to further strengthen the longstanding brotherly relations and strategic partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

The two leaders are also expected to exchange views on regional developments and issues of mutual interest, with particular focus on expanding cooperation in trade, investment and the economy.

According to the Foreign Office, the visit, which runs from August 6 to 8, is aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation and enhancing strategic coordination between the two countries.

Discussions are also expected to cover key developments in the Middle East, including the situation in Gaza, the occupied Palestinian territories, East Jerusalem, the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

During his stay in the kingdom, Prime Minister Shehbaz will also perform Umrah and visit Masjid-e-Nabawi in Madinah, where he will pay his respects at the Roza-e-Rasool (PBUH).

Earlier, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi described the visit as being of “exceptional importance”, saying it would further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two brotherly countries and reinforce cooperation on regional peace, stability and economic development.