PM Shehbaz heads to UK after Saudi visit, hails MBS for ‘historic welcome’

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif departed for the United Kingdom after completing his official visit to Saudi Arabia, where both countries on Wednesday signed a landmark Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA), declaring that “any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both.”

The prime minister thanked Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman for what he described as a “historic and heartfelt welcome.”

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Shehbaz left Riyadh for London and Riyadh’s Deputy Governor Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman saw him off at the airport.

In a post on X, the prime minister said the warm reception he received in Riyadh had “touched his heart.”

“Deeply touched by the heartwarming welcome, accorded to me by my dear brother HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, on my official visit to Riyadh.

From the unprecedented escort provided to my aircraft by the Royal Saudi airforce jets to the smartly turned out guard of the Saudi Armed Forces, this welcome reception speaks volumes about the abiding love and mutual respect between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

My most cordial talks today with HRH the Crown Prince, covered a wide range of issues, reviewing regional challenges & enhancing bilateral cooperation. I deeply admire HRH’s vision & leadership that he provides to the Muslim world.

On the bilateral front, I greatly value HRH’s consistent support and his keen interest in expanding Saudi investments, trade and business ties between our two countries.

It is my fervent prayer that Pakistan – Saudi Arabia’s friendship continues to flourish and attain new heights of glory. Inshallah!”