In a major development, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a “Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement” on Wednesday, marking a new chapter in regional security cooperation. The pact, described as historic, is expected to shape future dynamics in the Middle East and South Asia, with its wider implications being closely watched across the region.
According to the joint statement, the agreement reflects the shared commitment of both nations to enhance security, ensure peace in the region and the world, and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression. Crucially, it stipulates that any aggression against either country will be considered an aggression against both.
Framed on the foundations of brotherhood, Islamic solidarity, and shared strategic interests, the agreement was signed during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s official visit to Riyadh, where he met with Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. The Riyadh meeting followed their earlier discussions in Doha two days prior, on the sidelines of the emergency Arab-Islamic summit, where both leaders reviewed bilateral ties and regional developments.
Ceremonial Welcome in Riyadh
Pakistan’s state-run PTV News reported that as the prime minister’s aircraft entered Saudi airspace, it was “escorted and protected by Saudi Air Force jets.” The gesture, described as a symbol of “brotherly love and respect,” was hailed by Islamabad as a recognition of Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement and military contributions.
At Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, Shehbaz Sharif was received with full honours by Deputy Governor H.E. Muhammad bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Maliki, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmad Farooq. A 21-gun salute and a guard of honour by Saudi forces underscored the ceremonial welcome.
The prime minister was accompanied by senior Pakistani officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, and Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb.
Deep-Rooted Defence Ties
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia share a long history of military cooperation. Since the 1960s, Pakistan has been committed to safeguarding the holy sites of Makkah and Madinah under longstanding defence understandings. Formal agreements dating back to the 1950s have provided a framework for joint military engagement.
Pakistan has deployed troops in Saudi Arabia on multiple occasions, including a brigade between 1982 and 1988. In 2018, additional troops were dispatched on a “training and advisory mission.” Saudi military personnel and cadets continue to receive training at Pakistan’s military academies.
Joint Military Exercises
The armed forces of both countries regularly conduct joint drills to bolster interoperability and combat efficiency. These include the biennial “Al-Samsaam” exercises and the naval “Naseem-Al-Bahar” operations, underscoring the depth of defence collaboration.
With the new pact in place, officials in both capitals suggest that defence cooperation is set to enter a more structured and strategic phase, potentially influencing the broader regional security landscape.
