Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday expressed Pakistan’s full solidarity and support for Saudi Arabia amid recent regional escalation and appreciated the country’s “exemplary” patience and restraint, stating that Saudi leadership in the current crisis was a “source of strength” for all peace-loving people in the Kingdom and beyond.

The prime minister, during the “warm and cordial” meeting with Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah that lasted almost two hours, held detailed discussions on the evolving regional situation.

Accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, Prime Minister Shehbaz conveyed deep condolences over the loss of precious lives during the recent regional escalation and said that the people of Pakistan stood shoulder to shoulder with their Saudi brethren.

He shared with the Saudi crown prince the recent developments related to Pakistan’s peace efforts that led to the US-Iran ceasefire and the recently held round of “historic” talks between both warring countries in Islamabad.

He reiterated Pakistan’s firm commitment to advancing its efforts to encourage both the US and Iran towards an agreement aimed at lasting peace and stability in the region, and thanked the crown prince for his support of Pakistan’s sincere peace efforts.

Accompanied by a high-level delegation, the prime minister is on an official visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkiye from April 15 to 18.

Earlier, as he arrived at Jeddah Airport, he was received by the Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region, Prince Saud bin Mushaal bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Nawaf bin Saeed Al Malki and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ahmad Farooq.

The Saudi crown prince appreciated the constructive role of Prime Minister Shehbaz and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in the peace process.

While exchanging views on bilateral issues, the prime minister expressed his sincere appreciation for the crown prince for the Kingdom’s consistent support for Pakistan’s economic stability.

He also highlighted that Pakistan and the Kingdom enjoyed a unique relationship as they were both strategic defence partners under the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement.

Both leaders expressed their shared commitment to further strengthening the bilateral enduring partnership and continuing close cooperation on matters of mutual interest.

Deputy Prime Minister Dar, who accompanied the prime minister, wrote on X that the meeting was “marked by warmth, brotherhood, and a shared vision for a stronger Pakistan-Saudi Arabia partnership”.

He said that Prime Minister Shehbaz reaffirmed the deep-rooted ties between Pakistan and the Kingdom, built on faith, trust, and mutual respect, and explored avenues to further enhance cooperation across all sectors.

“Saudi Arabia holds a special place in the hearts of Pakistanis, and we remain committed to strengthening this historic and fraternal relationship for generations to come,” Dar added.