Simplify the implementation Plan of the Cooperation Deals between Islamabad, Riyadh

Work on an execution roadmap for bilateral agreements recently signed by Riyadh and Islamabad is underway, a senior diplomat told Asharq Al-Awsat, reaffirming that the dominion of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are broadening the horizon of cooperation.

“We will draft a map for full implementation,” confirmed Pakistani Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Bilal Akbar.

Akbar also acknowledged that the recently established Saudi-Pakistani Supreme Coordination Council (SPSCC) will undoubtedly expand the space for collaboration, inspired by the drive towards more cooperation on achieving shared goals.

“Agreements signed between the 2 countries within the presence of Prime Minister Imran Khan and Saudi prince Mohammed bin Salman are crucial and vital for enhancing cooperation,” asserted the diplomat.

Late Friday night, the prince and prime minister signed an agreement to determine the SPSCC, a body created for streamlining bilateral cooperation between the 2 countries.

It is primarily focused on removing hurdles to investment deals signed during the Crown Prince’s visit to Pakistan in February 2019.

Joint economic, investment, and trade efforts by Riyadh and Islamabad stand to profit both countries, highlighted Akbar, adding that Pakistan’s embassy within the Kingdom will “closely follow abreast of the implementation of all agreements.”

“Several delegations from the business will reinforce bilateral cooperation across all fields,” he noted.

Akbar emphasized that the signing of agreements and MoUs will significantly reduce all challenges facing investment and trade between the 2 countries.

According to the ambassador, the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) and Pakistani stakeholders will work together to support and finance eligible projects in important vital areas like energy, infrastructure, transportation, water, and communications.

On that matter, an MoU for financing eligible development projects was signed between the SFD and Pakistan.

It is worth noting that Khan, amid a high-level delegation, arrived within the Kingdom on Friday evening for a three-day visit on the crown prince’s invitation.

The prince and Pakistani leader held wide-ranging talks on bilateral, regional, and international issues in Jeddah.

“The two leaders reaffirmed the strong and historic bonds between the 2 countries rooted firmly in shared beliefs, common values, mutual trust, and a longstanding tradition of mutual support,” said a press release from Pakistan’s ministry .

It added that both the prince and Premier agreed to “further strengthen, deepen and diversify the prevailing bilateral political, economic, trade, defense and security ties.”

“Special emphasis was laid on increasing Saudi investments in Pakistan, collaboration within the field of energy, and increased job opportunities for Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia ,” the statement said.