Mohammad bin Salman reaffirms support for Pakistan in call with PM Shehbaz

• MBS congratulates Shehbaz Sharif on assuming premiership.
• Crown prince emphasises on brotherly relations with Pakistan.
• Premier invites Saudi crown prince to visit Pakistan.

ISLAMABAD: Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman Saturday reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's support for Pakistan in a congratulatory phone call with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif following his assumption of the premier's office earlier this month.

The Saudi crown prince, who is popularly referred to as MBS, congratulated PM Shehbaz, emphasising that both the countries enjoy close brotherly relations.

During the telephonic conversation, MBS felicitated the premier on his re-election, responding to which PM Shehbaz thanked him for the phone call and the warm message of greetings sent by him immediately after he had assumed the office.

The prime minister also conveyed his sincerest wishes and prayers for the health and wellbeing of the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz, emphasising that the people of Pakistan have great love and respect for the Saudi King and the crown prince.

The premier said Pakistan is proud of its historic, deep rooted and fraternal ties with Saudi Arabia and the two countries have always stood together through thick and thin. He lauded the Saudi government for its unwavering commitment and support to Pakistan.

He also wished a blessed month of Ramadan to the Saudi leadership as well as the Saudi people, and prayed that this holy month brings peace and prosperity to Muslims all over the world.

PM Shehbaz also invited the crown prince to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at the earliest convenience.

He told MBS that the people of Pakistan are awaiting to accord a very warm welcome to him, receiving acknowledgement from him for the "kind sentiments".