Saudi Arabia has signaled its commitment to a formal, long-term maritime alliance with Pakistan by offering to draft a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), a major step toward creating a structured framework for regional cooperation following high-level discussions in London.

The development emerged from a meeting between Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and Saudi Minister of Transport Saleh Al Jasser, held on the sidelines of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Assembly. An official statement released Thursday confirmed the two dignitaries reviewed ongoing collaboration and explored fresh avenues in shipping, port development, and maritime training.

During the dialogue, Minister Chaudhry put forward three significant proposals to deepen ties. These included a prospective partnership between the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) and Saudi Arabia’s Albehri shipping line, expanded business-to-business engagement between maritime companies, and a potential sister-port agreement.

The proposed port accord would link Karachi Port Trust with Jeddah Islamic Port, a move designed to strengthen trade and technical cooperation. These initiatives align with Pakistan’s Maritime Vision 2047, which seeks to modernize national ports and attract foreign investment into the maritime sector.

The Saudi delegation expressed its readiness to advance the partnership, which culminated in the offer to share a draft MoU. This document aims to formalize the maritime relationship and establish a structured foundation for future collaboration.

Officials from both sides noted that enhanced maritime coordination would support broader economic integration and make a substantial contribution to regional trade connectivity.