NEW YORK — Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a mutual visa-exemption agreement following talks between Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly.
The agreement exempts holders of diplomatic and special passports from short-term residence visa requirements and aims to streamline procedures, strengthen joint coordination and expand cooperation between the two countries.
During the meeting, Prince Faisal and Dar also reviewed bilateral cooperation and discussed regional developments and efforts to contain tensions through diplomatic solutions.
Prince Faisal separately met Bill Gates, Chairman of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, on the sidelines of the assembly, where they reviewed areas of joint cooperation and explored opportunities in innovation and modern technologies.
Prince Faisal bin Farhan with Bill Gates.
The meetings were attended by Saudi Ambassador to the United States Princess Reema bint Bandar, Director General of the General Directorate for Policy Planning Prince Dr. Abdullah bin Khalid bin Saud Al-Kabeer, and Foreign Minister’s Advisor for Political Affairs Prince Musab bin Mohammed Al-Farhan.
Source: Saudi Gazette