Pakistan and Saudi Arabia sign landmark defense agreement

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a landmark defense pact on Wednesday, pledging to treat any aggression against one nation as aggression against both, in a move aimed at strengthening their long-standing military and strategic ties.

The “Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement” was signed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman during Sharif’s state visit to Riyadh.

The agreement seeks to enhance security cooperation, build joint deterrence against threats, and contribute to peace in the region and beyond, the two sides said in a joint statement.

Sharif arrived in the Saudi capital on Wednesday at the Crown Prince’s invitation. He was welcomed at King Khalid International Airport with a 21-gun salute, a guard of honor, and a formal ceremony attended by senior Saudi and Pakistani officials. Riyadh was decorated with Pakistani flags to mark the occasion.

Talks were held at Al-Yamamah Palace, where the Crown Prince personally received Sharif. Both leaders reviewed their countries’ strategic partnership, which stretches back nearly eight decades, and discussed political, economic, investment, defense, and cultural cooperation, along with regional and global issues of mutual concern.

At the start of the meeting, Sharif conveyed greetings and best wishes to King Salman bin Abdulaziz. The two sides underlined their close ties based on brotherhood, Islamic solidarity, and shared strategic interests.

“I express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the warm welcome and generous hospitality extended to me and my delegation,” Sharif said in the joint statement. He wished prosperity for the Saudi people and good health for King Salman and the Crown Prince.

For his part, Prince Mohammed offered best wishes for Sharif’s health and for the progress of the Pakistani people.

The joint statement described the new pact as a reflection of the “shared commitment of both nations to enhance their security and to achieve peace in the region and the world."