Ahsan Iqbal, Saudi Ambassador Dr. Rajeh Tami Albugamy discuss economic development, education, technology and human resource development; emphasize synergies between URAAN Pakistan and Vision 2030
ISLAMABAD, Thursday, November 5, 2026 (WNP): Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal welcomed Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan, Dr. Rajeh Tami Albugamy, who called on him in Islamabad following the assumption of his new diplomatic responsibilities.
During the meeting, the two sides held detailed discussions on expanding bilateral cooperation in economic development, investment, education, technology and human resource development.
Welcoming the Saudi ambassador, Professor Ahsan Iqbal expressed his best wishes for the successful discharge of his diplomatic responsibilities in Pakistan and emphasized the importance of further strengthening the longstanding partnership between the two brotherly countries.
The federal minister highlighted the need to enhance synergies between Pakistan’s national development programme, URAAN Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, noting that greater alignment between the two development frameworks could open new avenues for economic cooperation, investment, human resource development and private-sector engagement.
He said Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations were rooted in shared faith, mutual trust and the deep affection between the governments and peoples of the two countries. He stressed that translating this historic relationship into sustainable partnerships in trade, investment, knowledge and technology remained a shared priority.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in development planning and exploring new areas of collaboration. They also discussed enhancing institutional engagement between Pakistan’s Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives and Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Economy and Planning.
Professor Ahsan Iqbal underscored the importance of sharing experiences in development planning and successful policy reforms to advance the national development priorities of both countries.
For his part, Ambassador Dr. Rajeh Tami Albugamy reaffirmed the longstanding friendship and mutual trust between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. He emphasized the importance of strategic alignment, comprehensive planning and sustained institutional engagement to further elevate bilateral relations.
The Saudi ambassador also highlighted opportunities to enhance cooperation in investment, private-sector development, economic affairs and tourism, expressing confidence in further strengthening the partnership between the two brotherly countries.
The meeting concluded with a shared resolve to translate the historic Pakistan-Saudi friendship into stronger institutional partnerships and practical cooperation across key sectors, contributing to sustainable development and prosperity for the peoples of both countries.
