NEW YORK: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Tuesday signed an agreement abolishing visa requirements for holders of diplomatic and official/special passports, with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar describing the move as an important step towards facilitating high-level engagement between the two countries.
Dar signed the agreement with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
“Pleased to announce that on the sidelines of UNGA, I signed today with my brother, His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan,” Dar said in a post on X.
Formally titled the “Agreement between Islamic Republic of Pakistan and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the abolition of visa requirements for holders of Diplomatic and Official/Special Passports”, the pact provides for mutual visa exemption for eligible passport holders.
“This important step will further facilitate high-level engagement and institutional exchanges,” Dar said, adding that it would contribute to advancing the “enduring and brotherly strategic partnership” between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia across areas of mutual interest.
The agreement was signed during a meeting between Dar and Prince Faisal, during which the two foreign ministers discussed bilateral and regional matters.
According to the Foreign Office, the two sides reaffirmed the “deeply rooted and brotherly Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relationship” and welcomed the visa exemption agreement.
Dar also expressed Pakistan’s steadfast solidarity with Saudi Arabia and condemned recent attacks targeting the Kingdom.
The two foreign ministers discussed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation under the pact.
They also reiterated their commitment to promoting regional peace, stability and security, while underscoring the importance of sustained high-level exchanges between the two countries.
The two sides further agreed to maintain close coordination on bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest, the Foreign Office said.
The signing comes as the Pakistani and Saudi leaderships are attending the UN General Assembly session in New York, providing an opportunity for the two countries to review their bilateral partnership and exchange views on regional developments.
