Work on an execution roadmap for bilateral agreements recently signed by Riyadh and Islamabad is underway, a senior diplomat told Asharq Al-Awsat, reaffirming that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are broadening the horizon of cooperation.
“We will draft a map for full implementation,” confirmed Pakistani Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Bilal Akbar.
Akbar also pointed out that the recently established Saudi-Pakistani Supreme Coordination Council (SPSCC) will undoubtedly expand the room for collaboration, inspired by the drive towards more cooperation on achieving shared goals.
“Agreements signed between the two countries in the presence of Prime Minister Imran Khan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman are crucial and vital for boosting cooperation,” asserted the diplomat.
Late Friday night, the crown prince and prime minister signed an agreement to establish the SPSCC, a body created for streamlining bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
It is primarily focused on removing hurdles to investment deals signed during the Crown Prince’s visit to Pakistan in February 2019.
Joint economic, investment, and trade efforts by Riyadh and Islamabad stand to benefit both countries, highlighted Akbar, adding that Pakistan’s embassy in the Kingdom will “closely follow up on the implementation of all agreements.”
“Several delegations from the business sector will reinforce bilateral cooperation across all fields,” he noted.
Akbar emphasized that the signing of agreements and MoUs will significantly reduce all challenges facing investment and trade between the two countries.
According to the ambassador, the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) and Pakistani stakeholders will work together to support and finance eligible projects in important vital areas such as energy, infrastructure, transportation, water, and communications.
On that matter, an MoU for financing eligible development projects was signed between the SFD and Pakistan.
It is worth noting that Khan, accompanied by a high-level delegation, arrived in the Kingdom on Friday evening for a three-day visit on the crown prince’s invitation.
The Crown Prince and Pakistani leader held wide-ranging talks on bilateral, regional, and international issues in Jeddah.
“The two leaders reaffirmed the strong and historic bonds between the two countries rooted firmly in shared beliefs, common values, mutual trust, and a longstanding tradition of mutual support,” said a statement from Pakistan’s foreign office.
It added that both the Crown Prince and Premier agreed to “further strengthen, deepen and diversify the existing bilateral political, economic, trade, defense and security ties.”
“Special emphasis was laid on increasing Saudi investments in Pakistan, collaboration in the field of energy, and increased job opportunities for Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia,” the statement said.
