Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday for a crucial diplomatic mission aimed at addressing the escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly in the wake of the recent conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran. This visit to Jeddah marks a significant step by Pakistan to engage actively in regional diplomacy, as the country seeks to promote peace and stability amid a rapidly deteriorating security environment.
During his brief stay, the Prime Minister is scheduled to hold talks with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman (MBS), focusing on a range of pressing issues including regional security dynamics, bilateral cooperation, and the ongoing conflict that has heightened instability across the Middle East. Accompanying PM Shehbaz is Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, underscoring the importance Islamabad places on this high-level engagement.
Upon landing at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, the Prime Minister received a warm welcome from the deputy governor of the Makkah region, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Riyadh Ahmad Farooq, and other senior diplomatic officials. The visit was extended at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, reflecting the close ties and mutual respect between the two countries. Although the visit is short, lasting only a few hours, it is expected to yield meaningful dialogue on the current geopolitical challenges.
The discussions will delve into the recent surge in hostilities following US and Israeli operations against Iranian targets, which tragically resulted in the death of Iran’s supreme leader. This event has further inflamed tensions, prompting retaliatory strikes by Iran on US military installations and allied facilities in the Gulf region, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The volatile situation has also seen Iran close the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, causing a sharp rise in oil prices and fears of further economic repercussions worldwide.
In response to these threats, Saudi Arabia has intensified its defensive measures, successfully intercepting drone attacks targeting key oil infrastructure such as the Shaybah oil field. This heightened state of alert underscores the fragility of regional security and the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions. Notably, last week Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, held talks with Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman. Their discussions focused on Iran’s aggressive actions within the framework of the joint strategic defence agreement signed by Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in September 2022, which commits both nations to mutual defense against external aggression.
Prince Khalid bin Salman has publicly called on Iran to exercise restraint and prioritize dialogue over conflict, emphasizing the importance of wisdom and reason in resolving disputes. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s spokesperson Mohsarraf Zaidi reiterated Islamabad’s unwavering support for Riyadh, affirming that Pakistan stands firmly with Saudi Arabia “no matter what and no matter when.” Despite Tehran’s expressions of regret over some regional strikes, it continues to justify its military responses as defensive actions against threats emanating from foreign soil, highlighting the ongoing volatility and complexity of the situation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Saudi Arabia comes at a critical juncture, reflecting Pakistan’s proactive role in seeking peaceful solutions to regional crises. It also reaffirms the deep-rooted strategic partnership between Islamabad and Riyadh, which remains a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy in the Gulf. As the Middle East faces unprecedented challenges, Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement aims to contribute constructively to stability and security in the region.
