Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to embark on an official visit to Saudi Arabia on March 19, 2025, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, boosting economic cooperation, and promoting investment between the two nations. The visit comes at a critical juncture in Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations, as both countries look to enhance their strategic partnership in a range of sectors.
Accompanying the Prime Minister on this significant diplomatic mission will be Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, along with several key federal ministers and senior officials. The visit was confirmed through a press release issued by the Foreign Office (FO), which outlined the main objectives of the trip.
One of the primary highlights of PM Sharif’s visit will be his meeting with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. The two leaders are expected to engage in detailed discussions about ways to boost trade between their countries, explore new avenues for investment, and enhance collaboration in key sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and technology. Both sides will also explore opportunities for expanding their bilateral ties in various fields, including education, healthcare, and cultural exchange.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have long maintained strong diplomatic and economic relations, and this visit marks an effort to further deepen that cooperation. A key focus of the talks will be on fostering mutual growth through joint ventures and economic partnerships, particularly in sectors where both countries can complement each other’s strengths.
The Foreign Office also highlighted that the discussions will cover a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including global and regional developments. Among the top concerns are the evolving situation in Gaza, shifting dynamics in the Middle East, and broader issues affecting the Muslim Ummah. These topics are expected to take center stage in the diplomatic talks, as both countries share common interests in regional peace and stability.
In addition to these discussions, the visit underscores the longstanding historical and strategic ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Both countries have consistently supported each other on the global stage, and this visit will likely further cement their partnership in various diplomatic, economic, and security matters. By enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, and diplomacy, both nations aim to improve their global standing and foster a more prosperous future for their citizens.
The Prime Minister’s visit comes on the heels of several high-profile diplomatic exchanges between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Last month, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar met Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Waleed Abdul Karim El-Khereiji, during a visit to New York. During their meeting, both sides expressed a mutual commitment to expanding economic cooperation and discussed ways to promote collaboration in trade, investment, and commercial sectors.
Notably, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have already taken significant steps to deepen their economic ties. Recently, the two nations signed a series of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) worth $2.2 billion, underscoring their shared commitment to fostering trade and investment. Additionally, Pakistan secured a $1.2 billion Saudi oil facility on deferred payment terms, a move expected to provide much-needed relief to Pakistan’s energy sector.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit is expected to be a key moment in the strengthening of Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations, paving the way for enhanced collaboration across multiple sectors. Both countries hope that this visit will lay the foundation for a more robust and diversified partnership, particularly in trade and investment, and deepen diplomatic ties in the years ahead.
As the two countries continue to work together, their strengthened economic cooperation is likely to have a positive impact on both nations’ economies and contribute to regional stability and growth. The PM’s visit marks a significant milestone in the ongoing partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, and it is expected to yield important results in the near future.