PM Imran Khan’s Saudi Visit Highlighted In Arab Media

Prime Minister Imran Khan’s maiden visit to Saudi Arabia has been highlighted in the Gulf media as ‘start of a new era’.

Imran Khan arrived in Medina on  Tuesday on his first foreign visit since coming the office, with speculation swirling that he may be seeking economic assistance from Saudia Arabia,Pakistan's historic friend and a donor.

The maiden trip comes amid crippling economic figures which has prompt the the new government to introduce a mini budget,with Pakistan possibly seeking billions of dollars in assistance from allies as it seeks to avert a balance-of-payments crisis.

“Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit to Saudi Arabia and UAE will start a new era,” headlined Gulf News.

The major newspapers of the region highlighted the visit on their front pages and as top story on their websites.

Soon after landing in Medina, the premier was escorted to the Prophet’s Mosque in heavy security where offered Maghrib prayers and Nawafil in Riaz-ul-Jannah.

In Makkah, the prime minister was greeted warmly at the Grand Mosque by a large crowd when he went there to perform Umrah.

Doors of the Holy Kaaba were exclusively opened for Imran Khan by the Saudi authorities.

"A state banquet will be hosted by King Salman at the Royal Court," the Saudi information ministry´s Centre for International Communications said in a statement.

"Khan will (also) meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Saudi-Pakistani talks will touch on key bilateral, regional and international matters."