RIYADH — Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif arrived here on Wednesday on a three-day visit at the invitation of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, who broke protocol to receive him at King Khalid International Airport. This is the first official visit by the Pakistani premier since King Salman ascended the throne. The prime minister is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Syed Tariq Fatemi. During the visit, Prime Minister Sharif will hold talks with the King, perform Umrah and visit Madinah. The visit will provide an opportunity for the leadership of the two countries to discuss issues of mutual interest and concern in the global and regional context and further strengthen close bilateral relations. — SG
