According to a joint statement issued following the recent visit, “building on the historic partnership extending for nearly eight decades between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and based on the bonds of brotherhood and Islamic solidarity, as well as shared strategic interests and close defence cooperation between the two countries, HRH the Crown Prince and the Pakistani prime minister signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement.”
The joint statement further explained that the agreement reflects the shared commitment of both nations to enhancing their security and achieving peace in the region and worldwide. It aims to develop various aspects of defence cooperation between the two countries and strengthen joint deterrence against any form of aggression. Notably, the agreement stipulates that any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both.
During the visit, Sharif conveyed greetings to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and expressed his gratitude to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for his warm hospitality. According to ANI, the Crown Prince extended his best wishes for Sharif’s health and the continued progress and prosperity of the people of Pakistan.
The official session of talks between the two leaders was held at Al-Yamamah Palace, attended by delegations from both countries. They reviewed the historic and strategic relations spanning nearly eight decades, rooted in shared interests, ANI reported.
Pakistan’s delegation included prominent officials such as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Army Chief Asim Munir, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Climate Change Minister Musadik Malik, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi, according to The Express Tribune.
Meanwhile, India’s Ministry of External Affairs responded to the development by stating that it would carefully study the impact of the agreement on national security and regional stability. The ministry said, “We have seen reports of the signing of a strategic mutual defence pact between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. The Government was aware that this development, which formalizes a long-standing arrangement between the two countries, had been under consideration. We will study the implications of this development for our national security as well as for regional and global stability. The Government remains committed to protecting India’s national interests and ensuring comprehensive national security in all domains.”
This significant Defence Agreement marks a new chapter in the longstanding partnership between Riyadh and Islamabad, underscoring their mutual commitment to regional security and cooperation.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/pakistan-saudi-arabia-defence-pact-mea-to-study-implications-of-agreement-23594658