PM leaves for Saudi Arabia via commercial flight

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister (PM) Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has left for Saudi Arabia on a three day visit by a commercial flight.

He will perform Umrah and offer prayers at the Masjid Nabwi Al-Sharif.

The Prime Minister is expected to meet the Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz and discuss issues of mutual interest.

The two leaders will also exchange views on regional and global developments.

The visit will be PM’s first foreign trip since forming a coalition government in February.

The two are longtime allies, with the South Asian nation often turning to Riyadh for financial help during its balance of payment crises.

Pakistan denounces provocative remarks made by Indian defence minister

Since it averted a sovereign debt default last summer by securing a $3-billion IMF bailout, Pakistan has been in dire need of financial support from the multilateral lender and friendly countries.

Sharif will discuss issues of mutual interest during the meeting with Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the finance ministry said in a statement on Friday.

In addition to financial support, Pakistan has lately been trying to secure Saudi investment in industries ranging from agriculture to mines, minerals and aviation.

Islamabad says Saudi Arabia has shown interest in acquiring government stakes in Pakistan’s Reko Diq gold and copper mine, which could be a major deal for the $350-billion economy.