Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signed a significant Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement on Wednesday, strengthening the bond between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
This historic agreement is the latest milestone in the longstanding relationship between the two nations, which is built on mutual economic, military, and cultural ties.
The two countries have collaborated closely in the areas of economic support, oil supplies, and military cooperation, with Saudi Arabia being a key partner for Pakistan in both economic aid and energy resources.
The agreement was signed during a meeting at Riyadh’s Yamama Palace, with the statement declaring that “any aggression against one country will be considered an attack on both.”
This pact underlines the shared commitment of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to enhance regional and global security while reinforcing their defense collaboration to counter any potential threats.
The agreement is also seen as a continuation of the nearly eight-decade-long partnership between the two nations, grounded in Islamic brotherhood, solidarity, and shared strategic interests.
This pact aims to fortify the defense capabilities of both countries and bolster their collective deterrence against external aggression.
During the meeting, both leaders reflected on the strategic relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and discussed various matters of mutual interest. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his deep gratitude to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the warm reception and hospitality extended to him and his delegation.
The Pakistani Prime Minister also conveyed his best wishes for the health and well-being of Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the continued progress and prosperity of the Saudi people.
In return, the Saudi crown prince extended his warm wishes to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, wishing good health and success to the people of Pakistan. The Saudi leadership emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral relations and furthering cooperation in key areas of shared interest.
Upon his arrival in Riyadh, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was welcomed by Deputy Governor Muhammad bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz. The warm reception included a guard of honor, a traditional gesture of respect for visiting dignitaries.
Additionally, Saudi Air Force jets escorted the Prime Minister’s plane as it entered Saudi airspace, showcasing the strong ties between the two nations and symbolizing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to ensuring the safety and respect of its guests.
The Foreign Office hailed this as a symbol of “brotherly love and respect”, highlighting the diplomatic significance of the visit.
The visit, according to the Foreign Office, is designed to strengthen the historic ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and provide an opportunity to explore new avenues for collaboration.
The two leaders are expected to discuss regional and global issues of mutual interest, with an eye toward formalizing further cooperation across various fields.
During the trip, the Prime Minister was accompanied by key figures from his cabinet, including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar, Environment Minister Musadik Malik, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi.
This visit comes after a productive discussion in June, when Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Saudi Arabia to thank him for his role in de-escalating tensions between Pakistan and India. Additionally, President Asif Zardari met Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmed Al-Malki in July to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade and culture.