Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday lauded Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the Kingdom’s longstanding economic and financial support to Pakistan, saying it had played a vital role in the country’s economic stability.

The remarks came during a meeting between the prime minister and Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan, who called on him at the Prime Minister’s House during his one-day visit to Islamabad.

“The prime minister conveyed his respectful regards to The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.

Recalling his recent telephone conversation with the crown prince, the prime minister expressed appreciation for his “deep affection towards Pakistan” as well as for the Kingdom’s longstanding economic and financial support, which he said had played a vital role in Pakistan’s economic stability.

PM Shehbaz reiterated that the people and government of Pakistan had always stood shoulder to shoulder with their Saudi brothers and sisters at all times. “This is an abiding bond between both countries that has grown stronger under the patronage of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince,” the premier said.

He emphasised Pakistan’s strong commitment to expanding cooperation with the Kingdom in all spheres, particularly in trade, investment and economic development.

“The Saudi finance minister thanked the prime minister and reaffirmed the resolve of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to further strengthen the longstanding, deep-rooted fraternal bonds between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, as envisioned by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman,” the statement added.

The meeting was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.