ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to pay a three-day visit to Saudi Arabia from April 28-30, on the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. This would be the prime minister’s first visit abroad after assuming the office earlier this month. The prime minister will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including key members of the cabinet. During the visit, he will have bilateral interaction with the Saudi leadership, with particular focus on advancing economic, trade and investment ties and creating greater opportunities for the Pakistani workforce in Saudi Arabia. The two sides will also exchange views on a range of regional and international issues of mutual interest. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are bound by a fraternal relationship marked by mutual trust and understanding, close cooperation, and an abiding tradition of supporting each other. The people of Pakistan hold the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in the highest esteem. The bilateral relationship is complemented by close mutual collaboration at regional and international fora. Saudi Arabia is a member of the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is home to more than two million Pakistanis, contributing to the progress, prosperity and economic development of the two brotherly countries. The regular high-level visits are a key feature of this special relationship. The prime minister’s visit to Saudi Arabia will impart a strong impetus to deepening bilateral cooperation in diverse fields and further reinforce the growing partnership between the two countries.