ISLAMABAD — Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will travel to Saudi Arabia from April 28 to 30 on his maiden official visit abroad during which he will hold talks with the top Saudi leadership, Foreign Office said on Wednesday.

Sharif, 70, was sworn in as Pakistan's 23rd Prime Minister on April 11 after his predecessor Imran Khan was ousted in a no-confidence vote. He has been invited for the trip by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Foreign Office said in a statement in Islamabad.

"This would be the Prime Minister’s first visit abroad after assuming Office earlier this month. The Prime Minister will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including key members of the Cabinet,” it said.

During the visit, Prime Minister Sharif will have bilateral interaction with the Saudi leadership, with particular focus on advancing economic, trade and investment ties and creation of greater opportunities. The two sides will also exchange views on a range of regional and international issues of mutual interest.

The bilateral relationship is complemented by close mutual collaboration at regional and international fora. Saudi Arabia is a member of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation contact group on Jammu and Kashmir. On the sidelines of the visit, Sharif would also visit Makkah to perform Umrah.

In his first address to the Parliament soon after election as the Prime Minister of the country, Sharif had highlighted special ties with Saudi Arabia. Saudi King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman earlier sent congratulatory messages to Sharif on becoming Pakistan’s new Prime Minister and wished him success. — Agencies