Saudi crown prince meets PM Shahbaz, stresses talks between Pakistan and India

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman said dialogue was needed to resolve heightened friction between arch-rivals Pakistan and India during a meeting in Riyadh with visiting Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif.

Shahbaz was making his first overseas visit since winning power in elections in February. He met Mohammed Bin Salman on Sunday.

"The two sides stressed the importance of dialogue between Pakistan and India to resolve the outstanding issues between the two countries, especially the Jammu and Kashmir dispute to ensure peace and stability in the region," a joint statement released by Pakistan's foreign office and the Saudi government said.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia also affirmed their commitment to expediting the first wave of Saudi investment worth $5 billion in Pakistan. This was stated in a joint statement issued after the meeting between Shahbaz and Mohammed Bin Salman in Makkah.

It said during the meeting emphasis was placed on the Kingdom's supportive role in Pakistan's economy and the mutual desire to strengthen trade and investment ties.

At the outset, the crown prince extended his congratulations to Shahbaz on assuming office, and expressed warm wishes for his tenure.

Shahbaz, in turn, conveyed gratitude for the Kingdom's steadfast support and hospitality, and reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to bolstering bilateral ties and economic co-operation.

The discussions centered on fortifying the fraternal relations between the two brotherly nations and exploring avenues for enhanced collaboration across various sectors.

Both leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments of mutual interest, including the worrying situation in Gaza. They sought international efforts to halt Israeli military operations in Gaza.

They underscored the imperative for the international community to pressure Israel to cease hostilities, adhere to international law, and facilitate unhindered humanitarian aid access to Gaza.

They discussed the need for advancing the peace process in accordance with relevant resolutions of the Security Council and the General Assembly as well as the Arab Peace Initiative aimed at finding a just and comprehensive solution, for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The prime minister invited the crown prince to undertake an official visit to Pakistan, at the earliest convenience, which was accepted by him.

Earlier, Shahbaz offered Isha prayer and nawafil at Riazul Jannah in Masjid-e-Nabwi (Mosque of the Prophet) during his visit to perform Umrah.

He visited the Roza-e-Rasool. He prayed for the development and prosperity of the country, as well as for the Muslims of Palestine and Kashmir.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and members of the federal cabinet including Ishaq Dar, Khawaja Asif, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Abdul Aleem Khan, Attaullah Tarar and Ahad Cheema accompany the prime minister. Maryam also visited the Roza-e-Rasool and prayed for the progress and prosperity of the country.

Madina Governor Prince Salman Bin Sultan welcomed Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on arrival in the Holy City.