ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to visit Saudi Arabia to attend the Second Joint Arab Islamic Summit in Riyadh on November 11.
During a press briefing on Thursday, Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch confirmed that the prime minister would participate in the summit, which has been convened by the Saudi government as a continuation of last year’s Joint Arab Islamic Extraordinary Summit held on November 11 to address the situation in Gaza and other occupied regions.
Leaders, senior officials from Arab League, and Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) member states are expected to be in attendance. On the sidelines of the event, PM Shehbaz is anticipated to hold bilateral meetings with leaders from Arab League and OIC countries.
Following his visit to Saudi Arabia, PM Shehbaz will travel to Baku, Azerbaijan, for the World Leaders Climate Action Summit on November 12-13, part of the 29th UN Climate Change Conference. He will be joined by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, cabinet members, and senior officials, where he plans to advocate for climate solidarity and justice, emphasizing equity and shared responsibilities.
In addition to addressing the summit, the prime minister is expected to engage in bilateral discussions with international leaders on climate action. The COP29 summit comes amid mounting climate challenges impacting millions worldwide, including in Pakistan.
As a key participant, Pakistan will continue to contribute to global climate negotiations and actions.
Last month, PM Shehbaz attended the Future Investment Initiative (FII) in Saudi Arabia, where he met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to review ongoing bilateral projects. During this visit, the kingdom announced an additional $600 million to its earlier $2.2 billion investment pledge for Pakistan.
