ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif returned to Islamabad on Wednesday after concluding a two-day official visit to Saudi Arabia, during which Pakistan and the Kingdom agreed to launch an Economic Cooperation Framework aimed at transforming bilateral relations into a strategic economic partnership.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the new framework will focus on strengthening collaboration between the public and private sectors of both countries, with emphasis on joint ventures and investment-driven growth. The initiative seeks to promote cooperation in key sectors such as energy, industry, mining, and information technology, marking what officials described as a “new phase” in the long-standing Pakistan–Saudi relationship.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif departs Riyadh for Islamabad. Deputy Governor Riyadh Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrehman bin Abdulaziz seeing off Prime Minister and Pakistani delegation at King Khalid International Airport. #PakistanSaudiPartnership
(Riyadh, 29 October… pic.twitter.com/kaPaQ9b6T7
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) October 29, 2025
During the visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz held a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, in which both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to expanding economic cooperation and explored ways to enhance trade and investment flows. They also discussed regional and global developments of mutual concern.
While in Riyadh, the prime minister addressed the 9th Future Investment Initiative (FII) Conference, where he called for stronger international support for developing countries facing economic and climate-related challenges. He underscored the need for “sustainable financing models” for climate resilience, arguing that loans alone were not a viable solution for recovery in disaster-hit economies.
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The conference, attended by world leaders, policymakers, and corporate executives, provided a platform for Pakistan to highlight its investment potential and reform agenda. Prime Minister Shehbaz also met several global business leaders on the sidelines of the event and invited them to explore investment opportunities under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).
Officials termed the visit as part of Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic and economic outreach to deepen ties with Gulf states and attract foreign investment to support economic recovery and long-term stability.
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