Sharif was received at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah by Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, deputy governor of the Makkah region, according to Saudi Arabia’s official SPA news agency.
The Pakistani prime minister is traveling with a senior delegation that includes Field Marshal and Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and other senior officials, Pakistan’s state-run Associated Press of Pakistan reported.
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During the visit, Sharif is expected to meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for talks on strengthening the longstanding relationship between the two countries, as well as developments affecting the wider region and international community.
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan maintain close defense and strategic ties, including under a mutual defense agreement signed amid heightened regional tensions.
Sharif’s visit also comes as Islamabad continues its diplomatic efforts to help mediate between Washington and Tehran.
Pakistan, alongside Qatar, became involved in mediation efforts between the United States and Iran in June. The diplomatic push led to the signing of a memorandum of understanding on June 18 and the launch of negotiations aimed at reaching a broader agreement.
Those negotiations later stalled over disagreements involving maritime security and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. However, officials from Iran, Oman and the United States have recently indicated that progress may be possible on the remaining issues.
Sharif’s meetings in Saudi Arabia could therefore provide an important opportunity for Pakistan to discuss the latest regional developments with one of its closest partners while continuing its broader diplomatic efforts to ease tensions.
