JEDDAH – Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed agreements and memoranda ofunderstanding on Saturday to boost bilateral cooperation in various fields.

The documents were signed during the visit of Prime Minister Imran Khan whoarrived in Saudi Arabia on Friday evening on a three-day official visitheading a high-level delegation.

Imran Khan was received by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman otherofficials at the Royal Court at Al Salam Palace in Jeddah. Both leadersheld a round of talks to strengthen bilateral relations.

The two leaders then held a series of talks, during which they emphasisedthe depth of relations between the two countries and the importance ofexpanding bilateral cooperation and coordination in various fields.

They also agreed two memorandums of understanding around combating drugtrafficking; as well as financing energy, infrastructure, transportation,water and communications projects. Both the countries also agreed toestablish a higher coordination council.

During his trip Khan — who has visited six times, most recently in December2019 — will focus on improving ties with Riyadh and the needs of theroughly 2.5 million Pakistanis working in Saudi Arabia.

According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the leaders also “exchangedviews and issues of concern to the two countries on the regional andinternational arenas, in a way that contributes to supporting andstrengthening security and stability.”

“Khan praised the leadership role of King Salman in promoting Islamicunity, and “the positive role of the Kingdom in resolving the issues facingthe Islamic nation and its endeavors for regional and international peaceand security,” SPA said.

It added that officials from both countries signed two agreementsaddressing the treatment of criminals, and crime.