Aaj Logo

Updated 07 May, 2024 12:25pm

Saudi crown prince expected to visit Pakistan this month

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is expected to visit Pakistan this month as the South Asian country seeks to boost its economic ties with the kingdom.

The Express Tribune, while quoting sources, has reported that the crown prince has accepted an invitation from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The crown prince’s visit was initially scheduled for late 2022 but faced delays due to political uncertainties and Pakistan’s elections.

Prior to his arrival, a delegation of influential Saudi businessmen is currently in Islamabad, engaging in discussions with Pakistani counterparts to explore investment opportunities.

This visit aligns with the government’s ongoing efforts to attract Saudi investment, as part of a comprehensive strategy to address Pakistan’s economic challenges.

Pakistan is particularly keen on securing substantial investments from Gulf countries, with a focus on Saudi Arabia and the UAE. During PM Shehbaz’s visit to Saudi Arabia before Eid, Riyadh had agreed to fast-track an initial $5 billion investment.

Also, read this

PM Shehbaz assures Saudi investors of govt’s ‘blanket support’

Saudi Arabia considers Pakistan ‘high priority’ economic opportunity

‘Saudi Arabia now wants to see what Pakistan will bring to the table’

The crown prince had subsequently dispatched a high-powered delegation, led by the Saudi foreign minister, to Islamabad.

This delegation, consisting of key Saudi cabinet members and close aides of the crown prince working on his “Vision 2030” initiative, expressed their positive impression of Pakistan’s new investment framework after receiving a briefing from the Special Investment Facilitation Council.

The government hopes that the upcoming visit of the crown prince will translate commitments into concrete investment opportunities, paving the way for further economic cooperation between the two countries.

Read Comments