Pakistani PM embarks on two-day visit to Saudi Arabia

ISLAMABAD– Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan left for Saudi Arabia on Thursday on a two-day visit before going to New York to attend the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly, the Prime Minister's Office said.

During the Saudi visit, the prime minister will discuss with the Saudi leadership various dimensions of the "grave situation" in Indian-controlled Kashmir, following the Indian government decision to revoke the special status to Kashmir last month.

"The prime minister has been in regular contact on the Kashmir issue with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman," a statement from the office said. During the prime minister's visit, the two sides will also discuss ways of further strengthening the economic partnership.

The Saudi crown prince had visited Pakistan in February 2019 and the prime minister's office said there is a growing momentum in Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations in all areas of cooperation. Pakistan also condemned drone attacks on two Aramco oil plants in the east of Saudi Arabia at the weekend.

"Pakistan-Saudi relations are traditionally marked by warmth and mutual trust. The prime minister's visit to Saudi Arabia will further reinforce the close fraternal ties between the two countries and deepen bilateral cooperation in diverse fields," the statement said.