Following a productive meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia increased its number of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with Pakistan from 27 to 34, boosting bilateral cooperation. Saudi Investment Minister Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al Falih announced this development during a joint press briefing with PM Shehbaz.
The leaders discussed expanding partnerships in trade, finance, agriculture, technology, and skilled labor. During his two-day visit, PM Shehbaz addressed the 8th Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh, emphasizing the role of investment in sustainable growth. Al Falih described this investment as “only the beginning of something very special.”
PM Shehbaz expressed optimism about future projects, saying, “When I return, I will bring good news for the people of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia,” underscoring the partnership’s significance for the Muslim community. Al Falih noted that some MoUs have already led to Pakistani agricultural exports and expressed Saudi Arabia’s interest in hiring skilled workers from Pakistan to support its digital and AI sectors.
PM Shehbaz thanked Saudi Arabia for its support, crucial for Pakistan’s economic growth and meeting IMF requirements. He also acknowledged the contributions of 2.5 million Pakistani expatriates to Saudi Arabia and pledged to enhance worker training to meet the kingdom’s demands.
In a related effort, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia recently signed 30 MoUs to facilitate the employment of skilled Pakistani workers across various sectors. The agreements, signed in Riyadh by Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain and Tevta Chairman Brigadier (Ret.) Sajid Khokhar, mobilize public and private vocational training centers to prepare workers for the Saudi labor market. This initiative aims to expand job opportunities for Pakistani workers not only in Saudi Arabia but also in other Gulf nations.
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PRESS UPDATE