MbS's visit a continuation of growing relations with Saudi Arabia: Chaudhry

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Information and Broadcast Fawad Chaudhry on Friday said the visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman will usher a new area of relations between the Kingdom and Pakistan.

Speaking at the launch of Arab News, Chaudhry said, "The people of Pakistan are eagerly waiting to welcome the crown prince. Mohammad bin Salman’s visit is a continuation of the new era of growing relations started by Prime Minster Imran Khan between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries.”

“On his arrival in Islamabad, the crown prince will be personally received by the premier,” Chaudhry added.

The crown prince will arrive in Pakistan on February 17, as his trip was delayed by a day.

The information minister said a Supreme Coordination Council of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia headed by the crown prince and PM Imran has been set up. “The Supreme Coordination will work on the implementation of agreements between the two countries and remove any hurdles coming in the way.”

“The Joint Working Group of the two countries would further coordinate for making progress in different sectors of the economy and business,” he added.

In response to a question, Chaudhry said, multiple agreements leading to huge investments will be signed during the Saudi crown prince’s visit. “The investments would be the biggest in the last 10 years,” Chaudhry asserted. “High-level delegations of the two countries will hold bilateral talks to promote cooperation in diverse fields.”

The minister further shared that Saudi Arabia plans on building two new cities which will provide numerous job opportunities for workers from Pakistan. He added, Riyadh has removed the visa fee for Pakistanis while Islamabad has relaxed visa regime for foreign visitors and would give incentives to Arab citizens who would visit and make investments in Pakistan.

On the subject of the crown prince’s itinerary for his visit to Pakistan, Chaudhry said the president and prime minister will host dinners for the visiting dignitaries. He added the crown prince will be bestowed with Pakistan’s highest civil award as well.

Moreover, Chaudhry said Pakistan has an important role to play in the Middle East and PM Imran has initiated a new era of cooperative relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. “Ties based on similar religious beliefs and cultural affinities between the two countries had grown from strength to strength over the generations since the time of King Abdul Aziz and now the relationship would enter a new phase built on business and investment.”