Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud expressed optimism about his visit to Pakistan, foreseeing significant advantages in the coming months by tapping into untapped economic opportunities. He made these remarks during a joint press conference in Islamabad with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar following their meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Leading a high-powered delegation on an official visit to Pakistan, the Saudi foreign minister emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral relations and exploring new avenues for cooperation between the two countries. The visit follows Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Makkah, where discussions revolved around expediting the initial tranche of a $5 billion Saudi investment package for Pakistan. (SIFC).
During the press conference, the Saudi diplomat highlighted the productive meetings with Pakistani officials, praising their proactive approach, particularly within the SIFC, and their focus on addressing challenges and opportunities for collaboration. He expressed confidence that the results of this visit, coupled with ongoing efforts, would deliver significant benefits for both countries and accelerate the investment process. Moreover, he emphasized the need to increase the level of investment and thanked Pakistani officials for their insights into potential investment opportunities.
Foreign Minister Dar echoed the positive sentiments, emphasizing the comprehensive discussions held during the visit and the mutual commitment to multifaceted cooperation. He appreciated the Saudi leadership's keen interest in increasing investments in Pakistan and highlighted the fruitful discussions at the SIFC meeting, which effectively captured the Saudi delegation's interest in viable investment opportunities. Dar reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to providing full support and a conducive environment for Saudi investors.
In addition to economic matters, the press conference also addressed the situation in Gaza, with both ministers expressing concern and calling for immediate international action to address the humanitarian crisis. The visit concluded with discussions on regional dynamics and recent developments in the Middle East, emphasizing the need for cooperation and dialogue to address common challenges.
Overall, the visit was characterized by constructive engagement and collaboration between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and promoting mutual prosperity and development.