Pakistan and Saudi Arabia explored renewed efforts to deepen maritime cooperation
and enhance regional connectivity during a meeting at the International Maritime Organization
Assembly in London.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and Saudi
Minister of Transport Saleh Al Jasser led the discussions, focusing on strengthening
collaboration in shipping, port development, and maritime training.
The two sides reviewed current partnerships and identified new opportunities for private
sector involvement, especially aligned with Pakistan’s Maritime Vision 2047, which aims to
modernize ports, increase shipping capacity, and attract foreign investment.
Junaid Chaudhry proposed three key investments including a partnership between
Pakistan National Shipping Corporation and Saudi Arabia’s Albehri shipping line, enhanced
business-to-business cooperation between maritime companies from both countries, and a
potential sister-port agreement linking Karachi Port Trust with Jeddah Islamic Port to boost trade
and technical exchange.
The Saudi delegation offered to share a draft memorandum of understanding (MoU) to
formalize their long-term maritime cooperation and establish a structured framework for regional
collaboration.
