PM Shehbaz Sharif Visits Saudi Arabia to Discuss Middle East Tensions with Crown Prince MBS

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday for a key diplomatic visit aimed at addressing rising tensions in the Middle East, particularly following the US-Israel war with Iran. The Prime Minister is in Jeddah to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman (MBS), with discussions expected to focus on regional security, bilateral relations, and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Accompanying Prime Minister Shehbaz on the visit is Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The two leaders have been actively engaging in diplomatic efforts to ease regional tensions, particularly after the US and Israeli attacks on Iran, which led to the death of Iran’s supreme leader and plunged the region into further conflict.

Upon arrival at Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport, the Prime Minister was welcomed by the deputy governor of the Makkah region, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Riyadh Ahmad Farooq, and other members of the diplomatic staff.

The visit, which was extended by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, will be brief, lasting only a few hours. The discussions between PM Shehbaz and MBS will cover the current situation in the region, including the state of security and the implications of recent developments, as well as the strengthening of bilateral relations between the two nations.

A statement from the PM Office emphasized Pakistan’s active role in regional diplomacy, stressing that the country will continue to support efforts for peace and stability in the Middle East. “This visit highlights Pakistan’s positive role in the diplomatic arena, and Pakistan will continue to play this role,” the statement read.

Tensions in the region have been escalating since the attacks, with Iran targeting US military bases and facilities in Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Iran has also shut down the vital Strait of Hormuz, causing a spike in global oil prices and warning of potential price hikes up to $200 per barrel. In response, Saudi Arabia has taken measures to protect its oil facilities, including intercepting drone attacks aimed at the Shaybah oil field.

Last week, Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir met with Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman to discuss Iran’s attacks within the framework of the joint strategic defence agreement between the two countries. This agreement, signed in September 2022, considers any attack on one nation as an act of aggression against both.

Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman recently stated that efforts were being made to prevent further Iranian attacks, urging Tehran to prioritize “wisdom and reason” in its actions. Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s spokesperson Mohsarraf Zaidi reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to Riyadh, saying that Pakistan will stand by Saudi Arabia “no matter what and no matter when.”

Despite Tehran’s regrets over regional strikes, it has maintained that its actions are targeted at sites used to launch attacks on Iranian soil, underscoring the ongoing volatility in the region.

As tensions continue to rise, PM Shehbaz Sharif’s visit underscores Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and its strong relationship with Saudi Arabia.