Saudi Arabia’s Investment Minister, Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih, is set to visit Pakistan with a high-level delegation from October 9 to 11, as announced by Pakistan’s foreign office spokesperson on Monday. The visit aims to bolster bilateral cooperation and economic partnership between the two nations.
In recent months, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have intensified efforts to enhance bilateral trade and investment. Earlier this year, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to expedite a $5 billion investment package for Pakistan. This move is part of Islamabad’s broader strategy to engage with regional partners, particularly in the Middle East, to secure foreign trade and investment deals. Such partnerships are seen as crucial for Pakistan to overcome its ongoing economic crisis, characterized by depleted resources, high inflation, and a weakened currency.
Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, Pakistan’s foreign office spokesperson, confirmed the visit during a press briefing, stating that Al-Falih’s delegation will include representatives from Saudi government agencies and the private sector. The delegation is scheduled to meet with Pakistan’s prime minister and president. “This visit is aimed at lending positive impetus to enhanced bilateral cooperation and mutually rewarding economic partnership,” Baloch added.
In a separate statement, Baloch addressed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, paying tribute to the 42,000 people reportedly killed by Israeli armed forces since the conflict began on October 7, 2023. She expressed Pakistan’s deep concern for the people of Gaza and Palestine, who are enduring severe hardships.
Baloch condemned Israel’s attacks on civilian targets, including hospitals, schools, and shelters, over the past year. She urged the United Nations Security Council to take decisive action, calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and holding Israel accountable for alleged war crimes.
Additionally, Baloch criticized Israel’s decision to ban UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres from entering the country, emphasizing Pakistan’s condemnation of actions that impede the UN’s operations in occupied Palestine. She urged the international community to protect the role of the United Nations and welcomed the UN Security Council’s condemnation of Israel’s recent measures against the Secretary-General.
