Dr. Huma Baqai (IR Expert): Prime Minister Imran Khan's visit to Saudi Arabia holds special significance in bilateral relations and regional context. This visit will further improve bilateral ties between Islamabad and Riyadh. Optics seem encouraging but rules of engagement have changed between the two countries. Both countries have deep rooted relationship. Pakistan will gain economic benefits as well as enhanced defence and security cooperation from this visit. In the last few months, Saudi Arabia has tried to improve relations with Qatar, Turkey and even Iran. The new administration in the US has refused to further back Saudi military campaign in Yemen. And Saudi Arabia is trying to improve situation in the region by resetting its relations with regional countries. Saudi leadership has realized the fact that US will limit its role in the region in future. Pakistan is in a better footing and will gain from strengthening of ties with Riyadh. As far as CPEC is concerned, increasing interest of Saudi Arabia in the project is visible.