Agreement was signed by the two leaders to create Saudi-Pakistan Supreme Coordination Council (SPSCC)
Prime Minister Imran Khan and Crown Prince His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman vowed to further strengthen the ‘upward trajectory’ in Pakistan – Saudi Arabia bilateral relations, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).
“The two leaders reaffirmed the strong and historic bonds between the two countries rooted firmly in shared beliefs, common values, mutual trust, and a longstanding tradition of mutual support,” the press release added.
Khan and MBS later signed an agreement to establish Saudi-Pakistan Supreme Coordination Council (SPSCC). Co-chaired by the two leaders, the council is meant to provide the strategic direction to the development of Pakistan-Saudi relations.
The PM was earlier by the Saudi Crown Prince himself at the airport. The prime minister is accompanied by Foreign Minister Qureshi, Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed, Senator Faisal Javed, and other senior government officials.
A few days earlier, Chief of Army Staff Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa also visited Saudi Arabia and met with the military leadership. The two sides discussed matters of mutual importance during the meeting.
Discussion on regional issues
Imran also discussed the current status of the Afghan peace talks with the Saudi Crown Prince. The issue of India’s illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir was also discussed. Khan apprised MBS of how India is depriving Kashmiris of their basic human rights. Khan also applauded the prince for his efforts for peace in the region.
Signing of MoUs
Imran Khan and Muhammad Bin Salman also witnessed the signing of a number of bilateral agreements/Memoranda of Understanding (MoU), including:
- Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Combating Crimes
- Agreement on Transfer of Convicted Individuals (Prisoners)
- MoU on Combating Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Precursor Chemicals
- Framework MoU for the financing of projects (totaling up to $500 million) in energy, hydropower generation, infrastructure, transport and communication, and water resource development.
A crucial visit
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia’s relations have been somewhat cold in the last couple of years with the kingdom pivoting towards Pakistan’s neighboring India. This visit should help in taking the relations back to normal. Pakistan’s strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia has been mutually beneficial at the international stage for decades and should continue to remain fruitful in the future.