Islamabad: A Saudi parliamentary delegation led by Major General (Retd.) Dr. Abdulrahman bin Sanhat bin Abdullah Al-Harbi is visiting Pakistan to strengthen parliamentary ties and cooperation between the two nations. The delegation, invited by the Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, includes members of the Saudi Shura Council, H.E. Dr. Iman bint Abdulaziz Al-Jabreen and H.E. Engineer Salem bin Ali Al-Shahrani.

The delegation participated in a meeting with the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Parliamentary Friendship Group at Parliament House in Islamabad. The meeting was chaired by Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, and Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Harbi from the Saudi side.

In his welcoming remarks, Sardar Yousaf highlighted the deep-rooted ties between the two countries, emphasizing their mutual respect and trust. He praised Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative and its role in promoting regional peace and diplomacy.

Sardar Yousaf expressed Pakistan’s commitment to peaceful coexistence and dialogue, and sought Saudi support in finalizing the Pakistan-GCC Free Trade Agreement. He also mentioned the Special Investment Facilitation Council as a key platform for facilitating foreign investments.

The meeting explored initiatives for inter-parliamentary collaboration, including regular dialogues, exchange programs, and enhanced cultural and economic cooperation. Sardar Yousaf proposed utilizing Special Economic Zones for Saudi investments.

Dr. Al-Harbi reaffirmed the importance of the 2019 Memorandum of Understanding and suggested holding the next bilateral meeting in Riyadh. He noted Saudi Arabia’s interest in learning from Pakistan’s parliamentary experience.

Both sides agreed to activate the MoU through targeted engagements, committing to enhancing bilateral ties across political, economic, cultural, and strategic domains.