Saudi crown prince MBS arrives in Pakistan, receives historic welcome, accords US $ 20 bil MoU’s-Agreements
ISLAMABAD (Sunday, Feb 17, 2019) – Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman (HRH MBS) arrived Islamabad on a two-day official visit to Pakistan on the invitation of Prime Minister Imran Khan.
After receiving a warm and historic welcome, the Saudi crown prince arrived at PM House where he was presented a guard of honour.
The Saudi crown prince and PM Imran Khan held one-on-one meeting at the PM house and later tonight under the supervision of PM Imran Khan and the crown prince – Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed several agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoU’s) worth over US 20 billion dollars in different sectors.
The sectors include cooperation in establishment of oil refinery, production of electricity, petrochemical plant, promotion of sports and technical assistance in standardization sector.
When Saudi crown prince HRH MBS’s plane reached Pakistani air space, Pakistan Air Force’s JF-17 Thunder and F-16 jets took the plane into its protective circle.
When the plane of HRH MBS reached the airbase PM Imran Khan and key government officials welcomed him and his delegation members – to show his utmost respect towards the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and HRH MBS PM Imran Khan himself drove the car to the PM House.
Earlier, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi along with other officials reached the airbase to receive his Saudi counterpart Adel al-Jubeir.
Sources revealed that on a separate flight a 19-member, high-level delegation from Saudi Arabia reached Islamabad earlier today amid tight security.
This is the first official visit of HRH MBS to Pakistan since his elevation to the position of Crown Prince in April 2017.
During his visit, HRH MBS will also meet President Dr. Arif Alvi and Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa.
The Saudi ministers accompanying HRH MBS will meet their counterparts to discuss bilateral cooperation in their respective fields.
Major roads in Islamabad were blocked off for HRH MBS arrival with thousands of police and army force deputed on security of the capital city while the entry into the fortified diplomatic zone was banned, and the airspace over the city was shut down.
Saudi and Pakistani flags were on display throughout the city, alongside portraits of His Majesty Saudi King, HRH MBS, PM Imran Khan.
Mobile phone and internet services were blocked in parts of the city. Monday has been declared a public holiday and schools and offices will be closed.
Pakistan in its history has given this mega level welcome reception only to Chinese President Xi in 2015.