PM Imran Khan’s Saudi Arabia visit extremely useful, says FM Qureshi

• Pakistan, Saudi Arabia agree to diversify bilateral ties, impart strategic direction.
• Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Quershi says talks were marked by warmth and cordiality.
• A detailed discussion was held on regional issues, Pakistan's neighbours on both sides and the Afghan peace process.

JEDDAH: Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit to Saudi Arabia proved highly productive for Pakistan as a number of agreements were signed and discussions held on several important issues between the leadership of the two countries, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said on Saturday.

PM Khan is on a three-day visit to the kingdom during which he held a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman.

Qureshi, in a video statement, said that delegation-level talks were held in an extremely friendly and cordial atmosphere during which views were exchanged on future directions of the bilateral relationship.

“The prime minister’s visit is proving highly productive and there is good news for Pakistan and the Pakistani people.”

Read more: PM Imran Khan, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman hold delegation-level talks

After delegation-level talks, the foreign minister said, a small group meeting was also held with Mohammad Bin Salman in which Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa was also present.

“During the meeting, a detailed discussion was held on regional issues, Pakistan's neighbours on both sides and the Afghan peace process.”

Qureshi said the Saudi foreign minister took him into confidence on their regional outreach.

Sharing details about the talks, Qureshi said the prime minister and crown prince have signed an agreement under which a high-level coordination consultation council will be established which will provide an institutionalised and structured platform for the bilateral relationship between the two countries

“We have decided to move forward in all fields, especially energy collaboration, economic relations, investments and job opportunities,” he added.

Read more: In meeting with Gen Bajwa, Saudi crown prince acknowledges Pakistan's role towards peace

He said Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman also shared features of his vision for Saudi Arabia with the Pakistani delegation.

"In his [Mohammad Bin Salman] view, to achieve the goals set under the vision they would need massive manpower. They have estimated that they would need at least 10 million workers in the next 10 years.”

It is good to know, Qureshi added, that keeping in view the services rendered by Pakistan and the Pakistani workforce, they have decided to allocate a large chunk of this [manpower import] for Pakistani people.

“New job opportunities would be created for Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia."

Both sides also discussed the role of the Organisation Of Islamic Countries (OIC), the FM said.

Referring to the important agreements signed with Saudi Arabia, he said under one agreement, the Kingdom will provide five hundred million dollars to Pakistan from the Saudi Development Fund to be used for infrastructure development and development of water resources and hydropower projects in Pakistan.

PM Khan also invited the crown prince to visit Pakistan and shared that the goodwill generated by his last visit is still fresh in the minds of people.

“He has accepted the invitation.”

Qureshi said a Saudi delegation will visit Pakistan after Eid to discuss the visit of the Saudi crown prince and foreign minister to Pakistan.