With billions of dollars of investment deals in the goody bag for cash-strapped Pakistan, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman arrived to a grand welcome in Islamabad on Sunday evening, with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan receiving him at the airport and later personally driving him to his residence.
Earlier, a squadron of JF-17 Thunder jets escorted the Saudi royal’s aircraft as it entered into Pakistan’s airspace. Pakistan Air Force (PAF)’s Sherdil Squadron, comprising the cutting-edge JF-17 Thunder aircraft escorted the royal plane to Nur Khan Airbase, media reports said.
The Crown Prince had cut short his highly-anticipated Pakistan visit by a day. He was earlier scheduled to arrive on February 16. No reason was given for cutting short the visit, but it came as Saudi Arabia condemned in strong words the suicide bombing in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir, in which 40 Indian paramilitary personnel were killed on Thursday. The fidayeen attack was perpetrated by the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group, and India has squarely blamed Islamabad for the strike.
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Besides Imran Khan, the others who received the Saudi Crown Prince at the airport were Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa. A 21-gun salute was given to the Prince Mohammad bin Salman, and later a ceremonial welcome was held at the Prime Minister’s House.
At a ceremony in the PM House, Pakistan and Saudi officials signed MoUs for bilateral cooperation in a number of areas — a process overseen by Prime Minister Imran Khan and MBS.
This is Prince Mohammad's first state visit to Pakistan since becoming the heir to the throne in 2017.
“Historic deals” which would be inked during the Saudis’ visit have been given a final shape by the governments of both sides.
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It has been reported that agreements of huge investment worth $20 billion on behalf of the Saudi Arabian government will be inked during the visit of Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman.
Eight Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed in diverse fields related to sports, youth, combating organized crime, including building a petrochemical complex in Gwadar.
On Monday, the Crown Prince, along with his 100-member delegation, will call on President Arif Alvi. Other meetings with the military leadership and parliament members are also on the schedule of the Saudi royal.
The Saudi guests will depart for the airport from the President House on Feb 18.
Prior to his arrival, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir arrived in Pakistan. He was received by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.
Eleven aeroplanes carrying Saudi dignitaries arrived at the airport. The teams who arrived before the prince includes an advance team that took care of the security arrangements at the airbase and a group of his personal doctors.
Large banners with the Crown Prince’s picture have been hung across the capital and strict security arrangements have been made. The army, Rangers and police are handling security.
A public holiday has also been declared on Monday in light of his visit.
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The Crown Prince arrives in India on Tuesday on a two-day state visit.
Mohammad Bin Salman Al Saud (MBS) is leading a large delegation in his tour to five Asian nations: Pakistan, China, Malaysia, Indonesia and India. He will be visiting India on February 19-20.
According to reports, the Saudi Crown Prince, who is also the deputy prime minister and minister of defence of the kingdom, will be conferred with Nishan-e-Pakistan – the highest civilian award — during his visit to Pakistan.
