RIYADH: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to address a session focusing on the global health agenda at the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) special meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, today.
During his two-day trip, PM Shehbaz, who arrived in Riyadh on Saturday to participate in the “Special Meeting on Global Collaboration, Growth, and Energy for Development,” will also hold discussions with Emir of Kuwait Mashal Al Ahmed Al Jabr.
Accompanied by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, the premier is also slated to meet with International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva to discuss the potential and specifics of the new economic package being pursued by Pakistan.
The forum presents a significant opportunity for Pakistan to outline its priorities, particularly in the realms of global health architecture, inclusive growth, fostering regional cooperation, and achieving a balance between promoting growth and managing energy consumption.
With around 1,000 leaders expected to convene over the two-day event, discussions will revolve around fostering global cooperation for economic development, advancing a global energy transition that supports sustainable development, and promoting technological innovation.
Additionally, PM Shehbaz met with Islamic Development Bank President Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser on the sidelines of the WEF event. Both sides reviewed the progress of various ongoing IDB-funded projects in Pakistan and explored avenues for further collaboration.
Acknowledging IDB’s support for Pakistan in post-flood rehabilitation efforts and its contribution to partnership, reconstruction, and employment, the premier reaffirmed the Special Investment Facilitation Council’s (SIFC) role in attracting foreign investment.
Sulaiman Al Jasser highlighted Pakistan’s significance as a founding member of the IDB, emphasizing the country’s abundant natural resources and the potential of its workforce.
PM Shehbaz is also expected to interact with technology magnate Bill Gates and several Saudi ministers during his visit.
In a previous meeting, Advisor at the Royal Court and General Secretary of Saudi-Pakistan Supreme Coordination Council Mohammed bin Mazyad Al-Tuwaijri expressed the desire to enhance economic relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
Both sides expressed eagerness to bolster economic ties, with Al-Tuwaijri noting that a delegation of Saudi businessmen and investors would soon visit Pakistan. PM Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to adopting successful reform policies from Saudi Arabia to modernize governance structures.
