A high-level delegation from Saudi Arabia, led by Investment Minister Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih, is scheduled to visit Pakistan from October 9 to 11, 2024. This visit aims to bolster bilateral cooperation and foster a mutually beneficial economic partnership, according to a spokesperson from Pakistan’s foreign office.
In recent months, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have worked closely to enhance trade and investment ties. Earlier this year, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to fast-tracking a $5 billion investment package for Pakistan.
Pakistan has been actively seeking to strengthen its relationships with regional partners, particularly Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern allies, viewing foreign trade and investment as vital to overcoming its ongoing economic crisis characterized by dwindling resources, soaring inflation, and currency devaluation.
“The delegation, which will include representatives from Saudi government agencies and the private sector, is expected to meet with Pakistan’s Prime Minister and President during their visit,” stated Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, the foreign office spokesperson. “This visit is designed to provide a positive impetus for enhancing bilateral cooperation and establishing a mutually rewarding economic partnership.”
In a separate statement, Baloch paid tribute to the 42,000 lives lost due to Israeli military actions since the onset of the conflict in Gaza on October 7, 2023. She expressed deep concern for the people of Gaza and Palestine, who are suffering from starvation and violence.
“The past year has witnessed Israel’s indiscriminate and horrific attacks on civilian targets, including hospitals, schools, and shelters,” she remarked.
Baloch urged the United Nations Security Council to take decisive action and impose an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, demanding accountability for Israel’s alleged “war crimes” in the region.
She also criticized Israel’s foreign minister for barring UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres from entering Israel, stating that Islamabad condemns any actions that impede the United Nations and its agencies’ operations in occupied Palestine.
“We call on the international community to safeguard the role of the United Nations,” she added. “We also welcome the UN Security Council’s decision to condemn the recent measures taken by the Israeli authorities against the UN Secretary-General.”
