Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Friday that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were ready to finalize and sign a comprehensive economic package under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
The prime minister said this during a telephone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, according to a statement issued by the PMO.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed the landmark Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement (SMDA) last September, which treats an attack on either nation as an act of aggression against both.
During the warm and cordial exchange, the prime minister congratulated the Saudi crown prince on the signing of the historic peace agreement in Islamabad, the prime minister’s office said in a statement.
The Prime Minister expressed deep appreciation to the Saudi Crown Prince, popularly referred to as MBS, for his steadfast and consistent support for Pakistan’s peace efforts and hailed him for guiding the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with great wisdom and prudence through this crisis.
Prime Minister Shehbaz said the Iran-US peace deal was made possible within months due to Saudi Arabia’s strong support, along with the backing of other Gulf states.
“It was only with the strong support of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as well as the support of other Gulf states, that the Iran-US peace agreement was signed within months,” the prime minister’s office was quoted as saying.
MBS congratulated Prime Minister Shebbaz and praised the tireless efforts of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir that led to the successful signing of the peace agreement.
Both leaders agreed that the next phase of Iran-US talks should proceed smoothly, with outstanding issues resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. They also stressed the need for vigilance against any attempt to derail the negotiation process.
While expressing satisfaction over the excellent state of bilateral relations between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Prime Minister also reiterated his invitation to His Royal Highness to pay an official visit to Pakistan at his kind convenience.
Taking this opportunity, Prime Minister Shebbaz also conveyed his respectful greetings and good wishes to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
The two leaders agreed to continue their close coordination in the coming days.
