LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif extended a warm welcome to Dr. Rajeh Albugamy, the newly appointed Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan, during a meeting in Lahore. The chief minister congratulated the ambassador on his new role and expressed gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s economic and financial support to Pakistan.

According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab, the chief minister highlighted the significance of the Makkah defense agreement in strengthening bilateral ties and condemned recent attacks on Saudi Arabia, expressing sorrow over the resultant loss of life. She invited Saudi citizens to explore Punjab’s tourist attractions and conveyed her best wishes to the Saudi leadership.

Discussions during the meeting focused on leveraging Punjab’s resources to boost exports of livestock, beef, poultry, fruits, and vegetables to Saudi Arabia. Both parties agreed to organize a PIVOT roadshow in Riyadh to attract investment, setting a target of over Rs500 billion in exports, including mangoes, potatoes, and shrimp.

Maryam Nawaz emphasized the valued relationship between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, noting that Saudi Arabia remains Pakistan’s largest source of remittances. She reiterated Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia’s right to defend its sovereignty and security and underscored the importance of shared economic strength for collective security.

The chief minister also highlighted Punjab’s potential as a supplier of halal-certified food products to Saudi Arabia and acknowledged the contributions of the former Saudi ambassador in fostering bilateral relations.

Dr. Rajeh Albugamy appreciated the strategic relations between the two nations and pledged to enhance cooperation across various sectors. He expressed gratitude to the Pakistani government and people for their ongoing support to Saudi Arabia and recognized Punjab’s cultural and historical significance as an attraction.