Pakistan, Saudi Arabia agree to hold ministerial meetings every six months

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Monday announced Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have agreed to hold ministerial-level meetings every six months.

Addressing a joint news conference along with Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir in Islamabad, Qureshi said, "Ministerial-level meetings between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia will be held every six months while working groups will meet every three months."

The foreign minister said, "Saudi Arabia will invest $20 billion in various sectors of Pakistan. Seven MoUs have been signed with the Saudi side and more will be signed soon."

Stating that 10 working groups have been formed, Qureshi said, "The working groups and other high-level bodies for Saudi investment have been made time bound to meet regularly to follow the updates."

Qureshi added, "Saudi Arabia has accepted Pakistan's request for a reduction in visa fee and Prime Minister Imran Khan has also requested for immigration facilities for Hajis."

"Pakistan and Saudi Arabia face similar challenges and leadership of both the countries have a strong resolve for the implementation of agreements and projects," the foreign minister added.

Speaking on the occasion, Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir said an oil refinery will be set up at a cost of $10 billion in Gwadar. "We want to see Pakistan as an economically stable country," he stated.

Responding to a question, Adel al-Jubeir said, "Terrorism is a common enemy and Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and USA are working jointly to eradicate this menace."

"We are working with Pakistan in order to reach reconciliation between Taliban and Afghan government to move forward. Saudi Arabia wants a peaceful solution of the Afghan crisis," he added.