Islamabad (Web Desk/Agencies): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are partners in progress and prosperity.
In an exclusive interview with Al Arabiya English, he touched upon the strong bonds that exist between the two countries, saying there is no parallel to it.
“Both countries understand each other's sentiments and share each other's happiness and grief,” the premier asserted.
Alluding to the recent engagements between the two countries, PM Shehbaz mentioned his two meetings with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the Kingdom, the visit of Saudi foreign minister and a huge Saudi business delegation to Pakistan recently.
“This shows that the Saudi leadership is very serious and sincere to enhance relations with Pakistan not only in diplomacy but investment, trade, culture and between the youth of two countries,” he added.
Shehbaz Sharif said that during his Saudi visit, he had the “most intense and comprehensive” discussion with Saudi authorities wherein two sides had agreed to cooperate.
He applauded the progress achieved by the Kingdom under the Saudi crown prince’s leadership, and his Vision 2030, calling it a role model for many countries.
Asked about the outcome of recent interactions, the prime minister said, “We have achieved great progress. We have identified areas of cooperation – both B2B and G2G. Now there is a clear-cut way forward for mutual cooperation in investment, mines, minerals and renewable energy.”
“Pakistan is still an agrarian economy and, using modern technologies, both countries could enhance cooperation to produce fruits, vegetables, wheat, sugarcane, and sunflower to convert them into value-added products and export to Gulf region and other countries. Similarly, Pakistan can help provide its skilled IT manpower to the Kingdom to help grow both economies, the premier said.
He said other countries like Kuwait, Qatar, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Turkiye and China can also become partners in this fields and help bring an economic revolution.
Reiterating his government’s “sharp focus” on economic advancement, PM Shehbaz said it is pursuing its agenda of growth through massive reforms and structural changes.
“My government is totally committed to bringing huge reforms and huge structural changes. We are inching towards that direction, as, otherwise, it will be a futile exercise and will not produce proportionate results. We are absolutely focused on the agenda of reforms,” PM Shehbaz asserted.