Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday expressed Pakistan’s full solidarity and support for Saudi Arabia amid recent regional escalation and appreciated the country’s “exemplary” patience and restraint stating that Saudi leadership in the current crisis was a “source of strength” for all peace loving people in the Kingdom and beyond.
The prime minister, during the “warm and cordial” meeting with Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud here that lasted almost two hours, held detailed discussions on the evolving regional situation.
Accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Prime Minister Shehbaz conveyed deep condolences over the loss of precious lives during the recent regional escalation and said that the people of Pakistan stood shoulder to shoulder with their Saudi brethren.
He shared with Saudi crown prince the recent developments related to Pakistan’s peace efforts that led to the US-Iran ceasefire and the recently held round of “historic” talks between both warring countries in Islamabad.
He reiterated Pakistan’s firm commitment to advancing its efforts to encourage both the US and Iran towards an agreement aimed at lasting peace and stability in the region, and thanked the crown prince for his support of Pakistan’s sincere peace efforts.
Accompanied by a high-level delegation, the prime minister is on an official visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Türkiye from April 15 to 18.
The crown prince appreciated the constructive role of Prime Minister Shehbaz and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in the peace process.
While exchanging views on bilateral issues, the prime minister expressed his sincere appreciation for the crown prince for the Kingdom’s consistent support to Pakistan’s economic stability.
He also highlighted that Pakistan and the Kingdom enjoyed a unique relationship as they were both strategic defense partners under the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement.
Both leaders expressed their shared commitment to further strengthening the bilateral enduring partnership and continue close cooperation on matters of mutual interest.
Separately, Shehbaz Sharif and Qatar’s emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Thursday underscored the importance of supporting de-escalation efforts in the Middle East and enhancing international coordination to ensure the security and stability of the region, particularly ensuring the maintenance of smooth flow of energy supply chains.
During their meeting held at the Amiri Diwan in Doha that lasted over an hour, both leaders discussed the latest regional and international developments, particularly in the Middle East.
At the outset, the Qatari ruler welcomed the prime minister of Pakistan and his delegation, and expressed his deep appreciation for Pakistan’s pivotal role in supporting efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region and promote diplomatic dialogue in a manner that serves regional security and stability.
For his part, PM Shehbaz renewed his condemnation of the attacks against Qatar and other Gulf countries, while reaffirming Pakistan’s full solidarity and support the leadership and the people of Qatar.
The two leaders also reviewed bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to further develop them, especially in the fields of security, defence, and energy, in a manner that strengthens the partnership and opens new avenues for bilateral cooperation.
The meeting was also attended by Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Chief of the Amiri Diwan Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Khulaifi and a number of senior officials.
The Qatari emir and PM Shehbaz also held a one on one meeting, during which they exchanged views on current developments of mutual interest and emphasised the importance of continued coordination and consultation between the two countries, particularly in light of ongoing events and their implications for regional security and stability.
Following the meeting, the emir hosted a luncheon in honour of the prime minister and the accompanying delegation.
Later, PM Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Türkiye on an official visit to attend the 5th Antalya Diplomacy Forum.
The Governor of Antalya, Hulusi Sahin, warmly received the prime minister and the Pakistani delegation at the airport. Pakistan’s Ambassador to Türkiye, Yusuf Junaid, along with senior diplomatic officials, was also present on the occasion. The prime minister will attend the 5th Antalya Diplomacy Forum today.
During the forum, the prime minister will participate in the “Leaders Panel” to present Pakistan’s perspective. On this occasion, bilateral meetings of the prime minister are also expected with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and other key global leaders.