Nawaz Sharif holds talks with Saudi King Salman

E-Paper | February 28, 2026

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.

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Dwaraka Nath

Mar 04, 2015 11:53am

Can he raise his voice against beheading of innocent pakistanis who are charged with drug racketing or he he confines with only oil business ?

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Parvez

Mar 04, 2015 11:56am

' Make it convenient to come in the first week of March '...does not sound like an invitation.

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khanman

Mar 04, 2015 12:02pm

abu ne chai (tea) pay bullaya hai

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Hatim

Mar 04, 2015 12:05pm

The disciple goes to meet the master.

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Lahore wala

Mar 04, 2015 12:28pm

The Saudis want to know when will the Paks deliver the ..."THING" The King has already paid $1.5 billion [US] for "THEM" last year. They want at least two of " THINGS "....to counter Iran, which is close to making it's own "THINGS"...soon. [ If the talks in Switzerland fail.]

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L.Ahmad

Mar 04, 2015 12:46pm

Saudi petro dollars strengthen our friendship. It is not a good gesture to decline Saudi invitation. We are known for our begging skills.

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M. Jan

Mar 04, 2015 01:56pm

Pakistan will have to distance itself from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia if it wants to move on and end its misery of the last several decades. Nawaz Sharif is too subservient to the royal family and not fit to be a leader of a free and independent Pakistani nation.

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Justwsf

Mar 04, 2015 02:15pm

went for monthlty attendance.... pitty on us as a nation

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panwar

Mar 04, 2015 02:39pm

Al Asad is still in power, Shia got power in Yaman and unrest in Bahrain. Jordan and Egypt are already involved in fighting with IS. The west Asia end game strategically to be start by present KSA, King. The KSA King, Israel PM and most Americans congressmen are not happy with Obama Administration on P5+1 and Iran Nuclear deal. The KSA, King gives space use permission to Israel for attack on Iran, President of Egypt and F. S., USA meet him two and one day before. Now PM, Pakistan call for discussion may be disturb to Iran.

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pakistani

Mar 04, 2015 02:42pm

@M. Jan ..100% agreed. Pakistan is a democracy and people of pakistan elect their government by voting whereas Saudi Arabia is a family business. It's a shame Pakistani leaders are their puppets. Shame on Sharif For visiting Saudi Arabia.

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Taimoor Khan

Mar 04, 2015 03:08pm

Its a Saudi attempt to build some sort of alliance between Sunni states against Shia Iran. One has to take into account that both Turkish and Egyptian head of states were in Saudi Arabia for the "consultations" just few days ago. And then there is a little matter of ISIS to deal with. Pakistan should stay out of this as we had enough of the proxy wars being played in our homeland for the sake, interest and agenda of others.

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Omar

Mar 04, 2015 03:40pm

@Dwaraka Nath y do u call them innocent? drug trafficking is bad.. and they all know they will be beheaded if caught, still they wanna risk it... i agree beheading is a sad thing but then when u know and u do it deliberately then saudis ain't to be blamed.....

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Dr. Sadaf

Mar 04, 2015 03:46pm

Alas he can breathe now in his real home.

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zak

Mar 04, 2015 04:28pm

Wishing him all success in his endevours.

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Awais Ali

Mar 04, 2015 04:46pm

What Junior prince Shabaz Sharif doing there? Such hypocrisy with other 3 provinces is very sad to hear.

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jabbar

Mar 04, 2015 04:46pm

@Omar ... they are called innocent because most who were caught with drugs did not even know they had drugs with them. Some rich agents give free air ticket and ask them to carry bag for them with drugs. SA without followup behead them.

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zak-i-chan

Mar 04, 2015 04:50pm

Thanks for minute to minute updates on the activities of our favourite and beloved PM.

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khanm

Mar 04, 2015 05:05pm

@Dwaraka Nath ...for that.... one should have the courage which he does not have...

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khanm

Mar 04, 2015 05:16pm

@Lahore wala ... one has to understand Iran will always be our neighbor. Saudi Arabia is still far away...my sincere advice to NS...A man is called selfish not for pursuing his own good, but for neglecting his neighbor's. Pal... Your own safety is at stake when your neighbor's wall is ablaze.... learn your lesson from history....

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W. Shaikh

Mar 04, 2015 05:23pm

Why Shabaz Sharif has to go with him every where? He does not have anything to do with Foreign Affairs.

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Manish

Mar 04, 2015 05:28pm

@Omar Drug trafficking is bad and every one knows that they will be behead if they found doing so in Saudi. Specially Saudi now have sophisticated equipments and experienced staff to catch such personnel. Drug mafia knows it but to capitalize such lucrative market in Saudi they brainwash your poor pakistani citizen to Saudi with drugs. In Drug trafficking most of cases, people are forced to do so. Your government need to grow some spine and tell Saudi to stall all such beheading until Pakistan is done with its investigation.

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Ghani K (KPK)

Mar 04, 2015 05:32pm

Bilateral relation ! Have you seen any other head of state visiting the kingdom of Al Saud so frequently ? Pakistan is not an Arab state, is not part of Middle East then why so much importance to Nawaz Sharif ? There are reasons, ISIS , the fanatics are knocking at the door, US the chief protector of Al Saud is collaborating with Iran to defeat ISIS. Equilibrium of politics is changing . Al Saud need a friend that money can buy easily. Who could be better than Pakistan where no one can question the rule of Sharifs ? Where foreign policy of the country is never discussed, never questioned in the parliament.

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ahmed Tareeq

Mar 04, 2015 05:37pm

i pity the state of our PM. is it a invite or "summoning" i am guessing he will negotiate a deal if he gets thrown out i am guessing he will beg for more money " i am guessing he will find more oppurtunities for his sons and his company i am guessing "season for begging has started" @Zak are you as stupid as you sound ?

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Syed Mohammad Husain

Mar 04, 2015 05:46pm

The statement 'by the king himself' is unnecessary. It should be by the king. Nawaz Sharif is a head of the government and there is nothing extraordinary if the king receives him.

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Khalid

Mar 04, 2015 05:59pm

Pakistan represented by Nawaf Sharif family and relatives. No one else is capable represent the Pakistan.

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MSAlvi

Mar 04, 2015 06:11pm

Saudi Arabia is Nawaz's sanctuary for good or bad times. In good times he gets money (1.5 billion dollars last year), in bad times he gets refuge. As for as Pakistan is concerned, he should be sent to Arabian Sea, instead of Saudi Arabia.

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Dwaraka Nath

Mar 04, 2015 06:16pm

@Omar I don't think many of them are real culprits ,because the drug business needs heavy investments but these arrested people looks they are from medium to lower class and are being victimized from drug mafia

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khob

Mar 04, 2015 06:40pm

King is the custodian of the mosques and on this trip to honor Mr Sharif for his loyalty, he will made custodian of two new palaces.

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Babban

Mar 04, 2015 06:59pm

"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." The admirable esteem affection is evident when our illitrate Saudi Sheikhs on street and malls call the expatriots - "Ya Rafiq, Anta Miskeen".

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ashok kumar lal

Mar 04, 2015 07:45pm

my sentiments are better expressed by fellow writers.

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Pragmatist

Mar 04, 2015 07:54pm

The kid is called to the headmasters office for some treatment.

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Larkanavi

Mar 04, 2015 08:32pm

"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". Yes indeed. People of Pakistan are indebted to the Saudi Govt for funding extremists, proxy war on our soil and for helping NS grow his business in the Kingdom.

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Rose

Mar 04, 2015 08:45pm

Pakistan has only one province

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Cyrus Ho

Mar 04, 2015 08:53pm

@khanman The king invited me to tea just the other day. Told him I would be unable to attend due to prior commitments.

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Cyrus Ho

Mar 04, 2015 09:03pm

@M. Jan You are wrong.

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Cyrus Ho

Mar 04, 2015 09:05pm

@Justwsf Pity the people as a nation and not it's leaders.

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Cyrus Ho

Mar 04, 2015 09:06pm

@Awais Ali Envy will not put food on your table.

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Cyrus Ho

Mar 04, 2015 09:16pm

@Dr. Sadaf That is worth a smile, doctor. Only a wry one.

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Sayyar Khan

Mar 04, 2015 09:31pm

Please don't sell your country to these guys have some respect.

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Khan

Mar 04, 2015 10:05pm

Please please stay out of Iran Saudi proxy war currently underway.

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shahid afro

Mar 04, 2015 10:33pm

Pm is doing something good for the people..at least the Saudi king is bowing down to a Pakistani ...that is really impressive.....

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Caz

Mar 04, 2015 10:40pm

Gone to kiss the hand that feeds him, his country and funds his political campaigns

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sap india

Mar 04, 2015 10:41pm

I am impressed with this Sharif ...though I am an Indian but I think Mr nawaz is quite a wise man and prioritise trade and business with most of the country(excluding india) ..economy seems tobe his primary aim...well thinking for the wellbeing of your country is cool but you should at least provide the mfn status to my country

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syed wasim haider

Mar 04, 2015 10:42pm

We must not forget that there more than 2 millions Pakistanis are employed in Saudi Arabia and they support their families. Can any other country give us so many jobs?? Saudi Arabia always helped us when we had any problem.

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Tamza

Mar 04, 2015 10:48pm

Wonder if he can just stay there and save some travel money for the country. Seriously.

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Mar 05, 2015 01:01am

How many umrah Nawaz is going to perform on Tax payers money?

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Munz

Mar 05, 2015 01:02am

@Dwaraka Nath So drug traffickers should not be prosecuted?? Beheading is a very small example to set, they should all be hanged on the public street lights for everyone to see and be made an example of as these parasites are massacring our youth for their own petty gains...

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Munz

Mar 05, 2015 01:04am

Mr. PM...you need to PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE STOP your own agenda and start thinking of Pakistan as a free and proud nation. Please do not make Pakistan a low-life beggar!!!

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Raja Farhat Abbas

Mar 05, 2015 01:47am

@syed wasim haider Good comment my brother.

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Aleeza

Mar 05, 2015 01:51am

How many times do Nawaz Sharif have to go to Saudi Arabia to prove his point or sincerity.

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Sonny Afridi

Mar 05, 2015 01:56am

His first official visit to Saudi Arabia? So what were all the other visits? Locations?

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Arif Aslam Khan

Mar 05, 2015 02:19am

What is the purpose of his visit? Why would he go to Riyadh? all because he is visiting his own businesses in the Kingdom.

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Nizamuddin Ahmad Aali

Mar 05, 2015 03:22am

The phrase " Nawaz Sharif holds talk " sounds funny. Does this means taking orders from the master.

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MSAlvi

Mar 05, 2015 04:02am

Nawaz is OK for this kind of activity- meeting kings. That is, perhaps, why he himself behaves like a king. Nawaz, wake up.

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independentthinker

Mar 05, 2015 04:22am

When can our leaders meet and discuss how to be bring unity amongst all Muslims. There really should be no distinction between the different sects and it is the role of leaders to unite all of us. Only then, can we look at facing external enemies.

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dawn

Mar 05, 2015 04:48am

Dont count me in this 'love & affection' for SA. Just make sure to understand all orders.

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rjack

Mar 05, 2015 05:09am

Actually, Saudis are worried about Iran's nuke program.Saudis want nuke technology from Pakistan to counter Iran threat that's why Sharif was invited so that this friendship can be of helpful in future..

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Freeman

Mar 05, 2015 05:21am

"people of Pakistan were indebted to the people and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for their love and affection for the people". What a joke! Please take me out of it. I never observed any such love for our people.

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Zak

Mar 05, 2015 05:28am

Pakistan- Suadi Arabia alliance have total monopoly in world Terrorism from financing to explosion.

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Mar 05, 2015 05:56am

Time to visit & pay respects to the Don? The poor bustard birds may soon be extinct in Pakistan after all!!!

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kumail12

Mar 05, 2015 06:19am

100%of comments are against KSA and it alliances with USA and Isreal. Even our Indian brothers agree. Hope to see downfall of KSA

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