PM Shehbaz Sharif Visits Saudi Arabia Amid Regional Tensions
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday evening for a three-day visit, accompanied by Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, already in Saudi Arabia after concluding a visit to Jordan, is also part of the delegation. The government said the premier landed in Jeddah and was received by Deputy Governor of Mecca Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz.
The visit comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Gulf, as both Pakistani and Saudi officials have acknowledged the regional situation. A statement from the Prime Minister's Office said the visit is “against the backdrop of the short-term effects of the regional situation” and will expand strategic cooperation, bilateral relations, and coordination on regional and international affairs. Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi, during a weekly briefing, emphasized that the visit reflects Pakistan’s “long-standing partnership” with Saudi Arabia and will “further strengthen bilateral relations, deepen strategic cooperation, enhance coordination on regional and international issues of mutual interest and also reinforce multilateral cooperation.”
During the visit, Prime Minister Sharif is scheduled to meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. According to the PMO, the meeting took place in Makkah on Friday, with both delegations present. Discussions are expected to focus on consolidating Pakistan-Saudi bilateral ties and exchanging views on regional and international developments. The premier will also perform Umrah and visit the Holy Prophet's mosque in Madina.
This marks the third visit of Prime Minister Sharif to Saudi Arabia this year. It follows Pakistan’s recent participation in a Saudi-led Red Sea naval coalition, aimed at securing shipping from attacks by Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen. The visit also occurs amid a fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran, with Pakistan serving as one of the main mediators between the two countries. The timing and high-level military presence underscore the strategic importance of the relationship, with al Jazeera noting that the visit could have significance beyond immediate crisis management.
Perspectives
- Pakistani Government Perspective: The visit aims to strengthen longstanding brotherly relations with Saudi Arabia, enhance strategic cooperation, and address regional issues. Officials stress that the visit carries significance beyond the immediate crisis, focusing on long-term bilateral and multilateral collaboration.
- Saudi Arabia's Role: While Saudi officials have not issued detailed statements, the reception of the PM in Jeddah and the planned meeting with the Crown Prince indicate a mutual interest in deepening ties. The visit also comes as Saudi Arabia leads a multinational maritime coalition in the Red Sea, with Pakistan among the supporting nations.
- Regional Context: The visit is set against heightened tensions in the Gulf, including the Israel-Hamas conflict and US-Iran dynamics. Pakistan’s mediating role between Iran and the US adds a layer of complexity, as it balances its defense commitments with Saudi Arabia and its diplomatic efforts.