Islamabad: Minister for Investment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, H.E. Khalid bin AbdulAziz Al-Falih, called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif during his visit to Pakistan. The Prime Minister warmly welcomed the Saudi delegation, highlighting the deep, brotherly ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, which have strengthened over the decades. He appreciated Saudi Arabia’s unwavering support to Pakistan, especially during challenging times.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the importance of H.E. Khalid Al-Falih’s visit, considering it a significant milestone in the growing investment partnership between the two nations. He noted that this visit will open new avenues for collaboration, particularly in sectors of mutual interest, and further solidify economic ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
The Prime Minister congratulated H.E. Khalid Al-Falih for being honored with the prestigious Hilal-e-Pakistan award, recognizing his contributions to the enhancement of Pakistan-Saudi relations. He also conveyed his sincere regards to King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, appreciating their leadership in fostering stronger bilateral ties.
The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction over the productive discussions held during the Pakistan-Saudi Business Forum, which paved the way for fresh investments. The meeting, attended by the Pakistani and Saudi business communities, underscored Saudi Arabia’s commitment to deepening economic cooperation with Pakistan.
Highlighting the role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in accelerating foreign investments, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif invited Saudi Arabia to participate in Pakistan’s privatization program, particularly in the aviation sector. He pointed out the potential for Saudi investment in the outsourcing of international airports and other infrastructure projects.
During the meeting, H.E. Khalid Al-Falih reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to expanding its investment in Pakistan, particularly in sectors like mining, agriculture, and food security. He noted that the 27 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed during the visit marked the beginning of a new era of economic collaboration.