Islamabad: Leaders of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia during the meeting in Riyadh focused on increasing trade, collaboration to tackle climate change and also discussed the regional situation.
Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday on the sidelines of the Middle East Green Initiative (MGI) summit in Riyadh. This was the Pakistani premier’s second visit to Saudi Arabia this year.
Addressing the MGI Summit, hosted by Saudi Arabia, Khan highlighted the urgent need for collective global efforts to tackle climate change. At the launch of the summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s crown prince announced two initiatives worth 39 billion riyals ($10.4 billion) for an investment fund and clean energy project as part of efforts to combat climate change. The leaders and representatives of various countries including the United Kingdom, Kuwait, Algeria, Greece, Jordan, Russia, Morocco, Qatar, Iraq and Yemen also addressed the summit.
Meeting with Saudi crown prince
In his meeting with the Saudi crown prince, the Pakistani premier lauded the Saudi Vision 2030 and green initiatives aimed at transforming the socio-economic development of the Kingdom. He reiterated Pakistan’s support in the implementation of green initiatives.
The two leaders agreed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in diverse sectors. Discussing the latest developments in Afghanistan, Khan stressed the importance of active and constructive engagement of the international community to help alleviate the suffering of the Afghan people and prevent the humanitarian crisis and economic collapse in Afghanistan. The two leaders agreed to closely coordinate efforts to address the Afghanistan-related challenges.
Saudi-Pakistan investment forum
Speaking at the Saudi-Pakistan Investment Forum, Imran Khan invited Saudi companies and entrepreneurs to benefit from Pakistan’s strategic location and investor-friendly policies, and described Pakistan as a “gateway to the Asian markets and beyond.” He outlined tremendous opportunities for foreign investors in Pakistan particularly in renewable energy, food and agriculture, infrastructure development, housing, health, and tourism sectors.
Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Advisor on Finance Shaukat Tarin and Pakistan’s Energy Minister Hammad Azha also addressed the forum which was attended by senior representatives of leading Saudi and Pakistani businessmen.
Solidify economic ties
Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih said that the two sides can enhance efforts to promote and strengthen economic and investment relations. Saudi companies participating in the forum looked forward to exploring and expanding investment opportunities in Pakistan in the fields of energy, petrochemicals, construction, information and communication technology, finance, manufacturing, logistics, and transportation.
