ISLAMABAD, Mar 12 (APP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday arrived in Saudi Arabia on a brief official visit to hold talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the evolving security situation in the Middle East following the recent conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
According to a spokesperson for the Foreign Office of Pakistan, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is also accompanying the premier during the visit.
Pakistan has stepped up diplomatic engagements following the escalation in the region, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Ishaq Dar holding contacts with leaders in Middle Eastern and Gulf countries in an effort to help ease regional tensions.
Upon arrival at the Royal Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, the prime minister was received by the Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Riyadh Ahmad Farooq and other diplomatic officials.
Talks on regional security
In a statement, the Prime Minister’s Office of Pakistan said the visit was being undertaken at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The statement said the prime minister would stay in the Kingdom for a few hours and return to Pakistan after his meeting with the Saudi crown prince.
During the meeting, the two leaders are expected to hold detailed discussions on the evolving regional situation, security challenges in the Middle East and bilateral relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
The PM Office said the visit reflects Pakistan’s constructive diplomatic role and its commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region.
Regional tensions escalate
Tensions in the Middle East have risen sharply after Iranian strikes targeted US military installations and sites in Gulf countries, including the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Tehran has also closed the vital shipping route of the Strait of Hormuz, sending global oil prices sharply higher.
Iran has warned that oil prices could surge to $200 per barrel if the conflict continues.
Defence cooperation with Saudi Arabia
Meanwhile, Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Defence Forces of Pakistan, and Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman held talks last week regarding Iranian attacks on Saudi territory within the framework of the bilateral defence partnership.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed the landmark Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) in September last year, under which an attack on either country would be considered an act of aggression against both nations.
In a statement posted on X, Khalid bin Salman said the meeting focused on ways to stop the attacks, stressing that such actions undermine regional peace and stability.
Drone attacks intercepted
Saudi authorities also confirmed that two drones heading towards the Shaybah oil field were intercepted and destroyed on Thursday. The facility is considered critical for the Kingdom’s oil production.
The announcement followed earlier reports that several drone attacks targeting the facility had been thwarted a day earlier.
Pakistan reaffirms support
Speaking recently to Bloomberg TV, Prime Minister’s spokesperson for foreign media Mosharraf Zaidi said Pakistan would stand by Saudi Arabia in times of need.
He noted that Islamabad and Riyadh have historically maintained close cooperation and support for each other.
Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has expressed regret over strikes in regional countries but maintained that Iran would target locations used to launch attacks against its territory.