PM Shehbaz Sharif met with Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman in Jeddah

Web Desk
April 16, 2026

JEDDAH – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a high-level meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the Qasr Al Salam palace in Jeddah on Wednesday, where the two leaders discussed the current regional situation and ways to further strengthen bilateral relations.

The Crown Prince extended a warm welcome to the Prime Minister upon his arrival. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and other senior officials accompanying the Prime Minister were also part of the meeting.

Key Discussions

The meeting focused on several critical issues:

Bilateral Relations: Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the strategic partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia

Regional Situation: Detailed discussions were held on the ongoing Middle East crisis and its implications

Iran-US Talks: The recent Islamabad talks between Tehran and Washington were reviewed, with Pakistan briefing the Saudi leadership on the outcomes

Ceasefire Efforts: The two sides discussed ways to maintain the temporary ceasefire and prevent further escalation

Strategic Context

The Prime Minister’s visit to Saudi Arabia comes at a critical juncture, following the first round of face-to-face US-Iran talks in Islamabad over the weekend, which ended without a final agreement .

A fragile ceasefire remains in place, brokered through Pakistan’s mediation efforts, creating a diplomatic window that both leaders are keen to preserve.

Economic Dimension

In a significant development, Saudi Arabia announced it would provide Pakistan with $3 billion to help bolster its foreign reserves. Additionally, an existing $5 billion Saudi deposit will be extended for an unspecified period.

Defence Cooperation

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a “Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement” in September last year, pledging that any attack on either nation would be treated as an act of aggression against both. This agreement forms the bedrock of their current security coordination.

Three-Nation Tour

The Jeddah meeting marks the first leg of the Prime Minister’s four-day diplomatic tour (April 15-18) to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkiye.

Second Round of Iran-US Talks Likely In Islamabad, Trump

Upcoming Stops:

Country Purpose
Qatar Bilateral cooperation and regional peace talks
Turkiye Participation in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum and meeting with President Erdogan
Pakistan’s Mediation Role
The visit underscores Pakistan’s emerging role as a key mediator in the Middle East crisis. In a coordinated diplomatic push, the Prime Minister visited Saudi Arabia while the Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir arrived in Iran simultaneously.

This two-pronged strategy aims to keep communication channels open between Washington and Tehran and build a regional consensus on ending the conflict.