ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi arrived in Riyadh on Sunday to discuss bilateral ties and issues of mutual concern with Saudi Arabia, the interior ministry said as both countries continue efforts to forge closer economic and investment ties.
Pakistan has looked toward Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern states in recent months to attract foreign investment and ensure economic stability.
Islamabad and Riyadh signed several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) in October worth $2.8 billion that Pakistan says will bring much-needed foreign investment into the cash-starved country.
Naqvi met Saudi Arabia’s Undersecretary of Interior Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed Al-Battal after his arrival in Riyadh, the interior ministry said.
“Matters of mutual interest and discussions on Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations were held,” the interior ministry said.
Naqvi congratulated the Saudi leadership on successfully winning the bid for hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup, expressing his best wishes for the Kingdom.
“Saudi Arabia is our most trusted Islamic friends. Every Pakistani is proud of this friendship,” Naqvi added.
He praised Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 program, saying that it has created “historic progress and prosperity” in the Kingdom.
Al-Battal noted that the two countries enjoyed very close ties to each other, adding that he was looking forward to further progress in bilateral relations during Naqvi’s ongoing tour of Saudi Arabia.