LAHORE – Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif met newly appointed Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Rajeh Tami Albugamy and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations, expand trade and attract investment to Punjab.
Maryam warmly welcomed the Saudi ambassador and congratulated him on assuming his diplomatic responsibilities. She also appreciated the services of his predecessor in promoting and strengthening Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations.
During the meeting, the chief minister expressed gratitude to the Saudi leadership for its economic and financial assistance to Pakistan, describing Saudi Arabia as a country that holds a special and respected place in the hearts of Pakistanis.
She said Saudi Arabia was Pakistan’s largest source of remittances, sending approximately $9.8 billion to the country.
Maryam described the mutual relationship between the Saudi leadership and PML-N President Nawaz Sharif, spanning decades, as a shining example of trust and friendship.
The chief minister strongly condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of human lives. She also denounced attacks on Saudi cities and civilian infrastructure, including attempts to target Makkah and Madinah.
She said the August 2026 Makkah joint defence agreement marked a new chapter in bilateral relations and reflected a shared commitment to protecting sovereignty and security.
“Pakistan fully supports Saudi Arabia’s right to defend itself and protect its people, cities and critical infrastructure,” she said, adding that the people of Pakistan and Punjab stood shoulder to shoulder with the Kingdom.
Maryam emphasised that shared economic strength was a guarantee of collective security and said Punjab could become a reliable supplier of halal-certified food products to Saudi Arabia.
The meeting also explored opportunities to increase exports of livestock, beef, poultry, fruits and vegetables from Punjab to Saudi Arabia. Both sides agreed on a target of generating more than Rs500 billion through exports of livestock, beef, poultry, mangoes, kinnows, potatoes and shrimp.
The chief minister also invited Saudi citizens to visit Punjab’s prominent tourist destinations and discussed holding a roadshow in Riyadh to attract investment to the province.
She conveyed her best wishes to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Saudi Crown Prince.
Ambassador appreciated the deep-rooted, brotherly and strategic ties between the two countries and their peoples. He expressed his commitment to further strengthening cooperation across various sectors.
The ambassador also thanked the Pakistani government, armed forces and people for their support for Saudi Arabia, particularly their backing for efforts to safeguard the Kingdom’s security, stability and territorial integrity.
Highlighting Punjab’s tourism potential, Dr Rajeh Tami Albugamy said the province’s heritage, ranging from Mughal monuments to its vibrant traditions, was a major attraction.
He also praised Lahore’s hospitality, cuisine, warmth and welcoming atmosphere, saying the city’s reputation extended beyond Pakistan.