Pakistan Interior Minister Begins Official Visit to Riyadh Amid Regional Developments
RIYADH — Pakistan’s Interior Minister and Minister for Narcotics Control, Mohsin Raza Naqvi, arrived in Riyadh on Tuesday for an official visit aimed at deepening security cooperation and strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries.
Upon arrival at King Khalid International Airport, Naqvi was received by his Saudi counterpart, Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif. The high‑level reception reflects the close and longstanding relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, particularly in the areas of security cooperation, counter‑terrorism and law enforcement.
During the visit, officials are expected to discuss a range of issues of mutual interest, including strengthening collaboration on internal security, combating narcotics trafficking, and expanding institutional cooperation between the two interior ministries. Given Naqvi’s dual portfolio overseeing narcotics control, both delegations will deliberate on cutting off drug smuggling routes and enhancing maritime and airport surveillance.
The visit comes as Islamabad continues high‑level diplomatic engagement with Gulf partners following months of conflict in the Middle East. Pakistan has worked closely with Qatar to mediate between the United States and Iran, hosting direct talks in Islamabad and helping broker a ceasefire that led to the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia share strong strategic ties, reinforced by a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement signed in September 2025, which commits both countries to treat any aggression against either as an attack on both. Saudi Arabia has also been a key economic partner, extending financial support to Pakistan during periods of economic stress.
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