PM Sharif arrives in Saudi Arabia to deepen strategic partnership

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif departed for Saudi Arabia on Thursday for a three-day official visit from August 6 to 8 to further strengthen bilateral relations and enhance strategic cooperation.

The visit comes after the premier was invited by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and will be accompanied by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Federal Ministers Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Attaullah Tarar on his visit.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office, PM Sharif will hold a meeting with his counterpart in which there will be an exchange of views on further strengthening the longstanding fraternal relations and partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, as well as the regional situation.

The Prime Minister's visit to Saudi Arabia reflects the decades-long fraternal relations, mutual trust, and brotherhood between the two countries, the foreign office said. 

"This visit is taking place against the backdrop of short-term implications of the regional situation, while it will expand strategic cooperation, mutual relations, harmony and collaboration on regional and international affairs between the two countries," it said.

Separately, Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesman Tahir Andrabi said in a weekly briefing said that discussion between PM Sharif and Saudi PM Abdulaziz Al Saud would focus on "expanding bilateral cooperation, strengthening strategic partnership, and exchanging views on regional and international developments of mutual interest.”

He went on to say, “The visit reflects the longstanding brotherly ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, built on mutual trust, close cooperation, and shared interests.” 

“It also comes at a significant time amid heightened regional tensions and is expected to reinforce coordination on regional and global issues while promoting multilateral cooperation.”

Pakistan reaffirms diplomatic efforts for regional peace

Andrabi said that Pakistan reiterates its commitment to supporting diplomatic initiatives aimed at promoting peace and stability in the Gulf and the broader Middle East, particularly regarding the evolving situation in the Strait of Hormuz.

“The Foreign Office acknowledged Oman's constructive role in encouraging de-escalation and peaceful coexistence, reaffirming Pakistan's support for all sincere efforts to achieve a comprehensive, just, and lasting resolution of regional conflicts.”

Deputy prime minister holds key regional contacts

Tahir Andrabi further said that as part of Pakistan's ongoing diplomatic outreach, Dar held a telephone conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on July 30. 

“The two leaders discussed regional developments, including the situation in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab, and Palestine.”

He said that on Aug 3, Senator Ishaq Dar also spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araqchi. “The discussion focused on regional and international developments, particularly the deteriorating situation in the occupied Palestinian territories and East Jerusalem.”

Pakistan, US hold fourth counterterrorism dialogue

The Foreign Office spokesperson said that Pakistan and the US held the fourth round of the US-Pakistan Counterterrorism Dialogue in Washington, reaffirming their shared commitment to strengthening cooperation against terrorism.

He further said that officials from both sides reviewed the prevailing threat environment and explored avenues for enhanced collaboration in counterterrorism.

“The dialogue focused on strengthening border security, disrupting terrorist facilitation networks across the region, and expanding bilateral cooperation to effectively counter evolving security challenges.”

Andrabi said that Pakistan and the US reaffirmed their joint resolve to confront terrorist organisations that threaten the safety of their citizens and regional stability, including Daesh-Khorasan (ISIS-K), al-Qaeda, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, and the Balochistan Liberation Army.

Pakistan reaffirms commitment to relations with Bangladesh

Responding to a question by Pakistan TV Digital's Shizza Jasmin about Bangladesh, Andrabi said Pakistan has reaffirmed that its diplomatic engagement with Bangladesh remains active and is not defined or limited by any single event.

Andrabi said that bilateral relations continue through normal diplomatic channels in both Dhaka and Islamabad.

Commenting on recent developments involving Bangladesh, the spokesperson said that Pakistan does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries and, therefore, has no comment on the matter. The spokesperson added that any statement made from India is an issue between Bangladesh and India.

He further said that the people of Bangladesh are fully capable of resolving their issues independently without external interference. Pakistan, he added, respects Bangladesh's sovereign choices and will continue to cooperate with the country in its pursuit of progress and prosperity.

Pakistani captives in Somalia

In response to a question about the repatriation update for Pakistani captives held by Somali pirates, the spokesperson said multiple government bodies are working on the situation. He said that there are some operational challenges because the captives are held in an autonomous region of Somalia, where negotiations are complicated by tribal dynamics.

Andrabi said engagement with Somali authorities and international organizations is ongoing, and the government remains actively committed to securing the crew's early repatriation.