MAKKAH: Shehbaz MBS talks began on Friday as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud at Al-Safa Palace in Makkah, reaffirming the strong strategic partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said the Saudi crown prince welcomed Prime Minister Shehbaz upon his arrival at the palace before both leaders began bilateral discussions. The meeting forms part of the premier’s three-day official visit to the Kingdom at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Prime Minister Shehbaz is accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and other senior officials.

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High-Level Talks Focus on Bilateral Cooperation

The meeting is expected to strengthen longstanding political, economic and strategic cooperation between the two countries. Moreover, both leaders are discussing ways to expand bilateral partnerships while reviewing regional and international developments.

According to earlier government statements, the discussions also cover closer coordination on issues of mutual interest and enhanced cooperation in multilateral forums.

The visit reflects Pakistan’s continued diplomatic engagement with key regional partners as Islamabad supports efforts to promote peace, stability and dialogue across the Middle East.

Delegation Performs Umrah

Before the official meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz and the Pakistani delegation performed Umrah in Makkah.

The delegation included Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Field Marshal Asim Munir, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi.

The Prime Minister’s Office said the delegation also had the opportunity to visit the Holy Kaaba. Afterwards, Prime Minister Shehbaz and members of the delegation offered prayers for Pakistan’s progress and prosperity, the wellbeing of the Muslim Ummah and lasting regional and global peace.

Visit Aims to Strengthen Strategic Partnership

Prime Minister Shehbaz arrived in Jeddah on Thursday, where senior Saudi officials welcomed him along with Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmad Farooq and senior diplomats.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the visit goes beyond immediate regional developments and aims to deepen strategic cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

The ministry added that both countries seek to strengthen bilateral relations, enhance coordination on regional and international issues and expand cooperation across multiple sectors. As a result, officials expect the visit to reinforce the longstanding partnership between Islamabad and Riyadh.