ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud expressed on Monday the resolve to further strengthen the bilateral ties.

The two leaders in a telephonic conversation also exchanged views on issues of mutual interest, the PM Office said in a statement. PM Shehbaz conveyed his “deep respect” to King Salman bin Abdulaziz, the custodian of two holy mosques.

Saudi Arabia’s crown prince congratulated the premier and the people on the 75th anniversary of Pakistan’s independence. Salman also conveyed “best wishes for the continued progress, prosperity and development of Pakistan.”

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The prime minister and crown prince reviewed the progress made on the decisions taken by the two sides during his visit to the kingdom in April 2022. They resolved to expedite the ongoing cooperation in investment, energy and trade fields.

PM Shehbaz thanked the crown prince for the economic and development support provided to Pakistan in recent times while recalling the “historic support” extended by the kingdom in times of need.

The prime minister reiterated his cordial invitation to the crown prince for a state visit to Pakistan, which he “graciously accepted”.