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ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif held talks with Saudi King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud after arriving in the Kingdom on Wednesday for a three-day official visit
He was received at the airport by the King himself, and was presented with a guard of honour.
During the talks, both the leaders underscored the close and brotherly nature of relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in a number of fields including energy, trade, investment and security, and exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest and concern.
This is the premier's first official visit to the Kingdom since King Salman bin Abdul Aziz assumed the throne. Crown Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Crown Prince Muhammad bin Nayef, Governor of Riyadh Prince Faisal bin Bandar and a number of princes and ministers — accompanied by Saudi military leadership — were also present at the airport for prime minister’s reception.
King Salman bin Abdulaziz accompanied the Prime Minister from the airport to his Palace, where he hosted a luncheon in the honour of the prime minister and members of his delegation. The luncheon was followed by official talks with the King.
Prime Minister left for Jeddah after the talks. He was seen-off at the airport by the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. Prime Minister will also visit Madinah.
During his three-day visit, PM Nawaz will also perform Umrah and visit the tomb of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), in addition to meeting members of the Pakistani community in Saudi Arabia.
The premier is accompanied by a high-level delegation which includes Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief Minister Punjab Mr. Shahbaz Sharif, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on National Affairs Irfan Siddiqui and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Syed Tariq Fatemi.
In his pre-departure statement, the PM had said that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are brotherly countries which are tied in bonds of shared faith and values. He added that the relationship between the two countries has grown stronger with the passage of time.
Also read: PM Nawaz meets Saudi crown prince
The last time PM Nawaz met King Salman bin Abdul Aziz was when he was still the crown prince and discussed bilateral relations, situation in the Middle East and issues facing the Muslim world.
The premier took has taken the then crown prince into confidence about measures being taken to tackle terrorism and militancy in Pakistan and discussed trade and economic ties between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
PM's welcome speaks of warm Pak-Saudi ties: Pervaiz
Meanwhile, Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid said the presence of King Salman to receive the PM at Riyadh airport spoke volumes of not only warm personal relations between the two leaders but also reflected close ties between the two countries.
The minister, in a statement here, said that the government and people of Pakistan were indebted to the people and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for their love and affection for the people and leadership of Pakistan.
He thanked the Saudi leadership for the affection shown, which he said reflected the esteem with which they hold the leadership and people of Pakistan.
