ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is embarking on a significant diplomatic mission as he travels to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia today to partake in the World Economic Forum Special Meeting on Global Collaboration, Growth, and Energy for Development.
The prime minister was extended an invitation to this event by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman and Prof Klaus Schwab, the founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum.
A key focus of Prime Minister Sharif’s participation will be to present Pakistan’s stance to the world on global health, financial technologies, information technology, comprehensive development, regional cooperation, and balanced use of energy in the context of global development.
Additionally, on the sidelines of the forum, Prime Minister Sharif is expected to engage in bilateral meetings with influential world leaders, heads of international organizations, and other prominent figures. Accompanying the PM will be important members of the federal cabinet.
The delegation aims to represent Pakistan effectively and contribute constructively to the discussions and deliberations at the World Economic Forum.
The same announcement was made by Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch during her weekly media briefing, which unusually took place on Friday, instead of the routine schedule of Thursday.
She further said that the PM will also visit Gambia on May 4 and 5 for the 15th Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit. During the summit, he intends to address issues concerning the Muslim world, including the genocide in Gaza, the right of self-determination for the people of India-held Kashmir, rising Islamophobia and terrorism among other global issues.
Additionally, Shehbaz is expected to highlight Pakistan’s commitment to addressing humanitarian crises and advocating for the rights of oppressed communities.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is also scheduled to participate in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers in Gambia on May 2 and 3 where he is likely to meet with his counterparts from other Muslim countries.