Pakistan PM meets Saudi crown prince in Makkah

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Makkah on Friday, as the two countries seek to deepen strategic ties amid heightened tensions across the Gulf and wider Middle East.

What was discussed in the Shehbaz-MBS meeting in Makkah?

Shehbaz, accompanied by Chief of Defense Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, held bilateral talks with the crown prince at Al-Safa Palace, Pakistan's Prime Minister's Office said.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Defense Minister Khawaja Asif also attended the meeting.

The talks came a day after Shehbaz arrived in Saudi Arabia for a three-day official visit, his latest engagement with the kingdom's leadership as the conflict in the Middle East continues to spread across the region. The prime minister was received by Crown Prince Mohammed upon his arrival at Al-Safa Palace, the PMO said.

Why is Pakistan's army chief in Saudi Arabia?

Pakistan's Foreign Office has said the visit carries significance beyond the immediate regional crisis, with discussions expected to focus on strengthening bilateral relations, expanding strategic cooperation and coordinating on regional and international issues.

Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said ahead of the visit that the two sides would exchange views on developments of mutual interest and work to consolidate the longstanding partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

How is Saudi Arabia expanding its role in regional security?

The visit comes as Saudi Arabia takes a more active role in regional security. Riyadh has announced plans for a multinational maritime defense coalition aimed at protecting shipping and energy routes in the Red Sea, with Pakistan among 14 countries that have expressed support for the initiative.

Pakistan has also backed Saudi Arabia's air strikes in Iraq, describing them in July as an exercise of Riyadh's right to self-defense. The statement followed coordinated Saudi-U.S. strikes on installations linked to Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units, after attacks on Saudi oil facilities were attributed to elements within the group.

Has Shehbaz visited Saudi Arabia before?

Shehbaz last visited Saudi Arabia in April, when he held talks with senior Saudi officials as Islamabad sought to expand economic and strategic cooperation with the kingdom.