Pakistan PM Visits Saudi Arabia to Boost Relations

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan begins a two-day visit on Friday to Saudi Arabia to boost relations between the two countries.

Khan, invited by Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is going to discuss bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues of common interest.

“The relationship is marked by close cooperation in all fields and mutual collaboration on regional and international issues, in particular those faced by the Muslim Ummah” the Pakistani Foreign Office said while announcing the visit.

The prime minister will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including the foreign minister and other members of the cabinet.

“The two sides will also exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. A number of bilateral agreements/MoUs are expected to be signed during the visit,” the Foreign Office added.

Meanwhile, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa has already arrived in Saudi Arabia and spoke to bin Salman early on Friday.

On his part, the Crown Prince said on Twitter that they had an "excellent meeting" in which they discussed "defense relations and affirm our two countries’ goal to preserve regional peace and stability."

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Saudi Arabia gave Pakistan a $3 billion loan and a $3.2 billion oil credit facility in late 2018. After Islamabad sought Riyadh's support over alleged human rights violations by India in the disputed territory of Kashmir, Saudi Arabia pushed Pakistan to repay the loan.