Aurangzeb, Saudi counterpart discuss ‘strong bilateral relationship’, economic cooperation

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Friday saw off his Saudi counterpart, Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan, at Islamabad International Airport following his “productive visit” to Pakistan, said a statement issued by the Ministry of Finance.

On the occasion, the two finance ministers exchanged warm pleasantries and briefly discussed the “strong bilateral relationship” and ongoing economic cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, the statement added.

“Aurangzeb also expressed his eagerness to meet Minister Al-Jadaan again during the upcoming World Bank Group–IMF Spring Meetings in Washington, DC, reflecting the close and enduring partnership between the two brotherly countries,” it added.

Yesterday, the Saudi finance minister also held a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in which they discussed a strong commitment to expanding cooperation with Saudi Arabia in all spheres, particularly in trade, investment, and economic development.

Al-Jadaan, who was on a one-day visit to Islamabad, thanked PM Shehbaz and “reaffirmed the resolve of the Kingdom to further strengthen the longstanding, deep-rooted fraternal bonds between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, as envisioned by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman”.

Earlier, it was announced that Aurangzeb is expected in Washington on April 11 for the 2026 Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, a visit that has acquired added significance as developing economies grapple with the widening economic fallout of the ongoing war in Iran.

Aurangzeb is scheduled to remain in the United States through April 17. During his visit, he will hold a series of bilateral and multilateral meetings with senior officials of international financial institutions and other stakeholders. The minister will also address Pakistani media on April 17 before departing for Islamabad.

The Spring Meetings, set for April 13–18, will bring together finance ministers, central bank governors, policymakers and development experts from across the globe at a time of heightened economic uncertainty.