Daily Times

Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud affirmed his commitment to bolstering economic ties with Pakistan, saying that his country will do whatever in its domain to enhance investment in Pakistan.

During a joint press conference alongside Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, he highlighted the fruitful outcome of discussions following a recent meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman. “We are fully committed to enhancing our investment in Pakistan,” stated the Saudi foreign minister, underlining Saudi Arabia’s dedication to fostering bilateral relations.

Commending the Special Investment Facilitation Council’s (SIFC) initiatives to attract investment, Prince Faisal remarked, “I have never witnessed such a large and high-profile delegation from Saudi Arabia in Pakistan throughout my 35-year political career.”

Responding to queries regarding the situation in Gaza, the Saudi foreign minister condemned the ongoing crisis, denouncing it as a blatant violation of international laws.

“The situation in Gaza represents a grave failure of international norms and is utterly unacceptable,” he stated. “With over 33 thousand lives lost and restrictions on aid delivery, the plight of Gaza is intolerable.”

During their discussions, both leaders explored avenues to elevate the existing cordial cooperation between the two nations to a strategic partnership, with a focus on bolstering investment in Pakistan. Dar assured full support for Saudi investment endeavors, and committed to providing a conducive environment in alignment with PM Shehbaz’s directives.

The two foreign ministers discussed the potential for extensive commercial, trade and investment cooperation in multiple domains for the mutual benefit of the two countries. Dar underlined the tremendous investment opportunities offered by Pakistan and the central role of SIFC in this regard. The Saudi FM thanked his Pakistani counterpart for the warm welcome accorded to him and his delegation and highlighted the significance of Saudi Arabia’s deep-rooted fraternal relations with Pakistan.

The two foreign ministers also discussed recent developments in the region and the grave humanitarian situation in Gaza and called for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the Israeli atrocities there.

Earlier in the day, the delegation called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday and deliberated upon various investment ventures including Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), said a statement by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

“Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have a long-standing brotherly relationship which is unprecedented,” said the premier as he welcomed the delegation at the PM House.

The premier conveyed that KSA has consistently provided support to Pakistan during difficult times and also expressed appreciation for the delegation’s arrival shortly after Eidul Fitr. “Pakistan wants to further promote cooperation in the fields of trade and investment between the two countries,” stated the prime minister according to the statement released by the PMO. During the meeting, the delegation was also presented with proposals including the privatization of airports, joint ventures in two five-star hotels in Islamabad, and investment opportunities in PIA.

The offer of land by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) for the construction of hotels in partnership with Saudi Arabia was extended, added the statement.

PM Shehbaz emphasized the crucial contribution of Chief of the Army Staff (COAS ) General Syed Asim Munir and institutional cooperation in promoting investment through SIFC.