Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have agreed to pursue a comprehensive economic cooperation framework aimed at strengthening bilateral trade, investment and development ties.

According to the Associated Press of Pakistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman discussed expanding cooperation during a meeting in Riyadh.

The proposed framework covers several areas, including energy, industry, mining, information technology, tourism, agriculture and food security. Both sides also discussed energy cooperation and a proposed electricity interconnection project.

The initiative is intended to encourage joint ventures and strengthen commercial links between the two countries. Its eventual impact will depend on the final agreements, implementation arrangements and progress on individual projects.