Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will visit Saudi Arabia from April 6 to 8, the Foreign Office has announced.
It said this will be the first foreign visit of the prime minister after his election. He will be accompanied by ministers of foreign affairs, defense, finance, information and economic affairs.
The PM will perform Umrah, and offer prayers at Masjid-e-Nabawi, the FO spokesperson said, adding that he is also expected to meet with the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman where matters of mutual interest will be discussed.
The two leaders will also discuss regional and global developments, the FO said, adding that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have a long-standing brotherly relationship. "The leadership of both countries is committed to beneficial economic and investment relations," the spokesman added.
Sources indicate that the two sides will focus on various projects and collaborations. During the visit, Prime Minister Sharif will engage in discussions with Saudi authorities and leadership, exploring avenues for cooperation across multiple sectors, including agriculture. Various investment projects will also be finalized during the visit, the sources said.
The finance minister is poised to provide a comprehensive briefing on investment incentives and opportunities in Saudi Arabia, it has been learnt. Saudi Arabia will be provided special incentives for investment in Reko Diq, with plans indicating that Saudi's share could be the largest investment in the project.
Sources say that the SIFC platform is bringing in major investment into Reko Diq.
The finance minister informed the PM about Saudi Arabia's investment in Reko Diq, while the Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Finance, and the Board of Investment also presented a detailed plan to the prime minister. The SIFC has also been taken into confidence regarding investment in the project.
Members of the investment committee will also visit Saudi Arabia
The visit to Saudi Arabia will also see members of the special investment committee, formed for investment in Reko Diq, travel with the PM.
