During a congrats call to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reiterated the kingdom’s support for Pakistan.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister Office (PMO), the crown prince congratulated the prime minister on his reelection. The premier, in turn, thanked his Saudi counterpart for the phone call and the cordial greetings the monarch had sent shortly after the prime minister took office.
In addition, the prime minister expressed his deepest hopes and prayers for King Salman bin Abdul Aziz, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and his health. “He said the people of Pakistan had great love and respect for His Majesty as well as the Crown Prince.”
“He also wished a blessed month of Ramadan to the Saudi leadership as well as the Saudi people and prayed that this holy month would bring peace and prosperity to Muslims all over the world,” stated the statement.
Shehbaz complimented Riyadh for its “unwavering commitment and support to Pakistan” during the phone conversation, stating that Pakistan was proud of its longstanding, close-knit brotherly connections with Saudi Arabia.
The prime minister also extended the crown prince’s invitation to come to Pakistan on official business as soon as possible.
PM Shehbaz was praised by Crown Prince bin Salman for his warm words.
“Thick-cut strategic alliance”
Shortly after the call, the prime minister posted on X (formerly Twitter) expressing his gratitude for the call from the crown prince.
In addition to expressing his aim to transform the “historic” connections into a “comprehensive strategic partnership,” PM Shehbaz said that he looks forward to “working closely” with the Saudi leadership.
Earlier, by the end of December 2024, Saudi Arabia extended the term of its $3 billion in deposits with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) by one year.
In order to strengthen Pakistan’s meagre foreign reserves, the monarchy has recently rolled over and deposited substantial quantities of dollars.
Saudi Arabia is one of the countries with the largest remittances, and it is home to many Pakistani expats. A crucial source of foreign cash, the remittance from the monarchy usually rises in the months preceding Eid.
I am a dedicated student currently in my seventh semester, pursuing a degree in International Relations. Alongside my academic pursuits, I am actively engaged in the professional field as a content writer at the Rangeinn website.