PM Shehbaz to attend FII9 in Saudi Arabia next week

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will travel to Saudi Arabia from October 27 to 29 to participate in the ninth edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII9), the Foreign Office announced on Sunday. The visit comes at the invitation of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, along with senior cabinet members and officials, will accompany the premier. The delegation will represent Pakistan at a global forum that brings together leaders, investors, policymakers and innovators under the theme, "The Key to Prosperity: Unlocking New Frontiers of Growth."

According to the FO, conversations at FII9 will focus on global challenges and opportunities spanning innovation, sustainability, economic inclusion and shifting geopolitical dynamics. During his stay, the prime minister is expected to engage with the Saudi leadership to explore avenues for enhanced cooperation in trade, investment, energy and human resource development. Broader regional and international issues of mutual concern will also come under discussion.

On the sidelines, the premier will meet leaders of other participating countries and heads of international organisations to highlight Pakistan’s investment potential and seek partnerships in sustainable development, aligning with the forum’s "Think, Exchange, Act" model. The FO underscored that the trip is part of Pakistan’s push to advance economic diplomacy and build strategic partnerships across investment, technology and sustainability.

The visit follows a year of deepening ties between Islamabad and Riyadh. During Mr Sharif’s Riyadh trip on September 18, the two countries signed a landmark defence pact that pledges mutual support in case of aggression, signalling a broadening of cooperation beyond traditional spheres.