ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif arrived in Riyadh on Sunday to attend the Arab Islamic American Summit on the invitation of King Salman Bin Abdulaziz.
The premier’s delegation comprises several government officials and media persons, including foreign affairs’ adviser Sartaj Aziz and lawyer Akram Sheikh.
The summit is being attended by around three dozen leaders of Islamic countries, including the prime ministers of Bangladesh and Malaysia, and presidents of Afghanistan, Egypt, as well as US President Donald Trump.
According to sources, Sharif will apprise the forum on Pakistan’s efforts in combating terrorism and extremism and share success strategies. The country’s issues with Afghanistan are also likely to come under discussion with the Saudi King
Sharif will also join world leaders to attend the inauguration ceremony of the World Center Against Extremism, a counter-radicalisation initiative by the Saudi government.
US President Donald Trump and leaders of the world’s Islamic nations will meet to address ways of building more robust and effective security partnerships to counter and prevent the growing threat of terrorism and violent extremism around the globe through promoting tolerance and moderation, states the summit’s official website.
On Saturday, the Foreign Office clarified after media reports were aired on the contrary that the ‘full agenda’ of the summit will not leave time for the premier to hold bilateral meetings with President Trump and King Salman. However, sources said the premier could hold a meeting with the Saudi King later in the day.
The prime minister is also expected to visit Masjid-e-Nabvi in Medina.
Sources said Pakistan’s role in the 39-nation Islamic military alliance against terrorism will also come under discussion with Saudi authorities.
President Trump arrived in Riyadh on Saturday — the first leg of his maiden international trip since taking office in January. He will be leaving for Israel on Monday, and will also visit Italy and Belgiu