FirstNarration
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have signed a visa waiver agreement for holders of diplomatic, official and special passports, further expanding bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced the agreement, saying it was signed with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in New York.
Agreement Signed on Sidelines of UN General Assembly
According to the announcement, the agreement was signed on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Dar represented Pakistan in signing the agreement, while Prince Faisal bin Farhan signed on behalf of Saudi Arabia.
Under the agreement, eligible holders of diplomatic, official and special passports will no longer require visas when travelling between the two countries.
The announcement does not indicate that the visa waiver applies to ordinary passport holders.
Visa Waiver Expected to Facilitate Official Travel
The agreement is expected to make official travel easier for eligible government representatives and other qualifying passport holders.
Dar said the step would further facilitate high-level engagement and institutional exchanges between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
Removing visa requirements for these passport categories could simplify official visits and exchanges involving representatives of the two governments and their institutions.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia Seek Closer Cooperation
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia maintain longstanding diplomatic and strategic relations, with cooperation extending across multiple areas of mutual interest.
Dar described the latest agreement as another step toward advancing the two countries' enduring strategic partnership.
The visa waiver comes as Pakistani officials participate in diplomatic engagements surrounding the 81st UN General Assembly session in New York.
For now, the agreement specifically covers holders of diplomatic, official and special passports, while no broader visa-free arrangement for ordinary passport holders was announced.
