Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday expressed deep appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s continued support in strengthening the country’s economic stability during a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), during the meeting, the premier conveyed Pakistan’s “unwavering solidarity with the Kingdom” and expressed “deep appreciation of its patience and restraint, under the sagacious leadership of His Royal Highness, in these challenging times,” the statement added.

PM Shehbaz, while acknowledging Saudi Arabia’s consistent economic support, said, “I also expressed sincere appreciation for the Kingdom’s consistent support for Pakistan’s economic stability, while highlighting the unique defence and security relationship between our two countries.” 

“The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening what was described as an “enduring partnership” between Islamabad and Riyadh,” read the statement.

The prime minister also briefed the Saudi leadership on Pakistan’s recent diplomatic efforts, saying, “I reiterated Pakistan’s firm commitment to advancing its efforts to encourage both the US and Iran towards an agreement aimed at lasting peace and stability in the region.”

Later, PM Shehbaz visited Madinah, where his delegation was received by Governor Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

“During his stay, the prime minister visited Masjid e Nabawi, where he offered prayers and prayed for Pakistan’s progress and prosperity, as well as for peace and harmony across the world,” it added.

The statement said that special arrangements were made for the prime minister and his delegation, including access to the Roza-e-Rasool (PBUH), where he offered prayers and sent salutations upon the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). 

After concluding a visit to Saudi Arabia, PM Shehbaz arrived in Doha, where he was received by Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi. Upon arrival, the prime minister and his delegation received a guard of honour.

According to MOFA, the prime minister was scheduled to meet the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, for bilateral discussions.

“The talks are also expected to include an exchange of views on Pakistan’s ongoing efforts for regional and global peace,” it added.

The prime minister is accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi, and the prime minister’s spokesperson for international media, Musharraf Zaidi.

In September 2025, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a landmark “Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement”, declaring that “any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both”. The pact was signed during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Riyadh at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

Pakistan on April 11, also sent fighter jets and other military forces to Saudi Arabia to boost security under the defence pact between the two countries.

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The prime minister is on a three-nation tour until Friday, during which he will also visit Qatar and Turkiye amid ongoing negotiations for peace in the Middle East.

The premier’s meeting with the Saudi Prince came four days after the US and Iran were unable to reach an agreement to end their war despite marathon negotiations lasting around 21 hours. The prolonged talks, aimed at halting hostilities that have killed thousands and driven global oil prices higher over the past six weeks, ended with both sides blaming each other for the impasse.

On April 11, US and Iranian delegations arrived in Pakistan for conclusive talks following a two-week immediate ceasefire “everywhere, including Lebanon”, announced by PM Shehbaz, who later invited delegations from both countries to Islamabad.

Also Read: FM Dar calls on US, Iran to uphold ceasefire commitment after talks end without agreement

The US and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran on February 28, killing thousands of people in Iran, including then-supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and leaving tens of thousands injured, with civilian areas, including residential buildings and religious sites, among those hit.

The conflict also expanded geographically. Iran retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel as well as Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets. It also restricted the movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.