DURING a meeting between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, the reaffirmation of strong bilateral ties between the two countries echoed prominently. The Saudi Crown Prince expressed a desire to bolster these relations further, underlining the enduring commitment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) towards Pakistan.
Undoubtedly, KSA has always supported Pakistan during difficult times. Notably, during recent dire economic challenges, the Kingdom extended substantial financial assistance packages followed by continuous roll-overs, signifying a steadfast support system during testing times. The recent statement by Mohammad Bin Salman, reiterating Saudi Arabia’s unwavering support, serves as a testament to the depth of the bond shared between the two countries. Pakistan holds the Saudi leadership in high esteem, particularly recognizing their custodianship of the two holy mosques, a sentiment echoed by the people of Pakistan. Additionally, the efforts of Pakistan’s Army Chief in stabilizing the economy are commendable, with his visit to Saudi Arabia being part of this strategic endeavour. The focus definitely should now shift towards enhancing bilateral economic cooperation. Both countries possess immense potential in various sectors, and it is imperative to transform historic fraternal relations into a robust economic partnership. To achieve this, a comprehensive plan must be devised, prioritizing key areas of collaboration such as infrastructure development, energy cooperation, trade facilitation, technology transfer and investment promotion. Saudi Arabia’s keen interest in investing in Pakistan should be met with proactive engagement from Pakistani authorities to facilitate and materialize these investments on the ground. We are confident that Special Investment Council will do the needful to remove obstacles in the way of investment and make major strides in order to harness the potential of economic relations between Pakistan and KSA. Furthermore, Pakistan can leverage Saudi investment as a catalyst to attract investments from other Gulf countries, creating a ripple effect of economic growth. Joint ventures and partnerships in sectors like renewable energy, manufacturing, and agriculture could unlock new avenues for mutual benefit. As the Saudi leadership has reiterated its commitment to supporting Pakistan, it is the opportune moment to translate these words into concrete actions that propel both countries towards a shared future of prosperity and cooperation.
