Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for stronger economic and agricultural cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, saying the Makkah joint defence pact has conveyed a message of peace and unity across the region.
He made the remarks during a meeting with Saudi Minister for Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad, according to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
The prime minister reaffirmed the “deep-rooted, fraternal ties” between the two countries and conveyed his greetings to Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
He said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, as strategic partners, should focus on expanding economic and agricultural ties to turn their longstanding relationship into a stronger trade and investment partnership.
PM Shehbaz also welcomed the “constructive engagement” between the two sides, particularly regarding Pakistan’s agricultural exports to Saudi Arabia.
The two sides discussed ways to improve agricultural productivity in Pakistan through technology, research and development, as well as more efficient use of water resources.
The prime minister said a delegation of Pakistani agricultural experts would soon visit Riyadh to advance the discussions and explore ways to maximise the potential of bilateral cooperation.
The Saudi minister, meanwhile, thanked the prime minister for the hospitality extended to him and his delegation and reaffirmed Riyadh’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Pakistan in agriculture, water management and food security.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement at a trilateral summit in Makkah on August 7, pledging to strengthen collective security and defence cooperation while promoting regional peace and stability.
The agreement provides that an attack on one member would be treated as an attack on all three, reflecting their commitment to collective security.
Pakistan has said the pact remains open to other regional countries that are willing to uphold its fundamental principles.
Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman said on Thursday that Dhaka would “positively” consider joining the agreement if invited by its founding members.
