SAWT BEIRUT INTERNATIONAL

| 28 March 2024, Thursday |

Pakistan PM Khan in Saudi Arabia to discuss ties

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan begins a two-day visit on Friday to the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a traditionally close ally but with whom ties have been strained for months.

Khan, invited by Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is set to discuss bilateral relations in addition to regional and international issues of common interest, according to Saudi state media SPA.

In late 2018, the kingdom gave Islamabad a $3 billion loan and a $3.2 billion oil credit facility. After Pakistan sought Saudi Arabia’s support over alleged human rights violations by India in the disputed territory of Kashmir, Riyadh pushed Islamabad to repay the loan.

Islamabad then turned to Beijing for financial aid.

Pakistan’s military said in a statement that army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa arrived in the kingdom ahead of Khan’s arrival, and spoke to Mohammed bin Salman early on Friday.

“During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, regional security situation including recent developments in Afghan Peace Process, bilateral defense, security, collaboration for regional peace and connectivity were discussed,” the statement added.

    Source:
  • Reuters