ISLAMABAD: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al Faisal arrived here on Monday for talks on bilateral ties and regional issues.

Prince Al-Faisal is the highest ranking Saudi official to have visited Pakistan in years. His trip marks reinvigoration of the bilateral relationship that remained lukewarm during the PPP government.

The Saudi foreign minister would meet President Mamnoon Hussain, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and PM’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs and National Security Sartaj Aziz during his two-day stay here.

He was received at the Chaklala Airbase by Mr Aziz.

Warmth in Pak-Saudi ties was always expected following formation of the PML-N government at the centre because of the party’s close relationship with Riyadh, but regional developments, particularly in Syria and Afghanistan, catalysed the process.

Prince Al-Faisal’s visit would be followed by Saudi Interior Minister Mohammad bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz Al Saud’s trip to Islamabad, during which he would be signing a security cooperation pact with Pakistan.

Islamabad needs Riyadh’s support for its domestic political initiative with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan which is ideologically associated with the Saudi clergy, whereas Saudi Arabia wants Pakistan’s help for bolstering the depleted rebels in Syria following waning US interest in the armed revolt against the Assad regime.

Pakistan would also be looking for financial assistance and petroleum supply on easy terms from Saudi Arabia.

Moreover, Riyadh is worried about West’s temporary agreement with Iran on its nuclear programme.

Prince Al-Faisal’s visit spurred speculations that he travelled to Islamabad for discussing the future of former military ruler Gen Pervez Musharraf, who is facing a trial on charges of high treason. The government has, however, vehemently denied any connection between the Saudi foreign minister’s visit to Gen Musharraf’s trial.