ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for a new phase of economic and agricultural collaboration between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, urging both nations to transform their historic fraternal bond into a robust trade and investment partnership.
The prime minister made the remarks during a meeting with Engineer Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, in Islamabad on Friday. The talks focused on deepening cooperation in agriculture, water management and food security, with an emphasis on technology transfer, research and development, and more efficient use of water resources.
Strategic Partnership Enters New Phase
Welcoming the Saudi delegation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the deep-rooted ties between the two countries and conveyed his warm regards to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
He highlighted the recently signed Makkah Joint Defence Agreement involving Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan, describing it as a milestone that had brought the three nations closer and sent a powerful message of unity and peace across the region.
Focus on Agricultural Exports and Technology
The prime minister expressed satisfaction with the ongoing constructive engagement between the two sides, particularly regarding the export of Pakistani agricultural products to the Kingdom. Both delegations exchanged views on enhancing agricultural productivity in Pakistan through the adoption of modern technology, improved research and development, and sustainable water resource management.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that a delegation of Pakistani agricultural experts would soon visit Riyadh to advance these discussions and unlock the full potential of the bilateral partnership.
Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Commitment
Minister Al-Fadley thanked the prime minister for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation. He reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Pakistan across the agriculture, water and food security sectors, underscoring the Kingdom’s interest in long-term investment and trade linkages.
The meeting was attended by several federal ministers, including Rana Tanveer Hussain, Mohammad Aurangzeb, Atta Tarar, Jam Kamal Khan, Dr. Musadik Malik, Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, Dr. Syed Tauqir Shah, Bilal Azhar Kiyani, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi, along with senior government officials.
The high-level engagement signals a renewed push by both governments to move beyond traditional security and diplomatic ties toward a comprehensive economic partnership rooted in agriculture, water security and food resilience.
