The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Wednesday announced to add another $600 million to its recently announced $2.2 billion investment in Pakistan what the Saudi Investment Minister called “only the beginning of something very special.” The announcement was made in a joint press stakeout by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Investment Minister Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al Falih following their “very productive” meeting encompassing the bilateral cooperation in multiple sectors including trade, finance, agriculture, technology and skilled manpower. At the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the prime minister is currently on a two-day official visit to Saudi Arabia where he addressed the 8th edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) on ‘Infinite Horizons: Investing Today, Shaping Tomorrow.’ held in Riyadh and joined the global leaders to discuss how investment could serve as a catalyst for a prosperous and sustainable future. Accompanied by Advisor at the Royal Court Mohammad Maziad Al-Tuwaijri, Saudi Minister Al Falih told the media that during his recent visit to Pakistan, both sides had signed 27 MoUs for investment worth $2.2 in Pakistan.

He announced that following Prime Minister Sehbaz’s meeting with Crown Prince and their discussion, the number of MoUs has been increased from 27 to 34 to add $600 million in investment taking the investment volume to $2.8 billion. Prime Minister Shehbaz said the meetings with the Crown Prince and Al Falih were reassuring and told the media that some of the projects agreed upon during the recent Saudi delegation’s visit were under implementation. He said both sides would work on the timelines of the project and expressed the hope that under the leadership of Saudi crown prince, both sides would strengthen bilateral relations not only for the benefit of the people of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia but the entire Muslim Ummah. “When I come back, I will have good news for the people of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. With your valuable support, we will be able to carve our way forward and soon be able to make big announcements,” the prime minister remarked.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan