Pakistan Seeks Deeper Economic Ties with Saudi Arabia

13/04/2026 03:57 AST

Pakistan called for stronger economic cooperation with Saudi Arabia during a visit by Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed al-Jadaan, who held talks with the country's top leadership in Islamabad.

The visit, the first by a senior Saudi official since a temporary ceasefire between the US and Iran, came as Islamabad was preparing to host talks between Iranian and US officials aimed at easing tensions.

Discussions focused on expanding economic cooperation and were attended by senior Pakistani officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, according to a statement posted on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's official X account.

During the meeting, Sharif conveyed greetings and appreciation to Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, praising what he described as the Kingdom's "pivotal" economic and financial support in helping maintain Pakistan's stability in recent years.

Sharif also referred to his recent phone call with the Crown Prince, reaffirming his government's and people's commitment to stand "shoulder to shoulder" with Saudi Arabia.

He said Islamabad is keen to expand partnerships in trade and high-value investment sectors, adding that the longstanding relationship between the two countries continues to deepen under the Crown Prince's leadership in a way that serves shared interests and growth ambitions.

For his part, al-Jadaan thanked the prime minister and reiterated Saudi Arabia's commitment to strengthening what he described as the deep-rooted and brotherly ties between the two countries, in line with the vision of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

At the conclusion of the visit, Pakistan's Finance and Revenue Minister, Muhammad Aurangzeb, accompanied al-Jadaan to Islamabad International Airport. The two sides discussed ways to strengthen economic cooperation.

Asharq Al Awsat