Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Wednesday signed a landmark "Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement", declaring that "any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both"," according to a Pak-Saudi joint statement.
The pact was signed during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's visit to Riyadh at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
"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 defense cooperation between the two countries, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister and His Excellency Mr. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan signed the 'Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement'," the statement read.
It added that the agreement "reflects the shared commitment of both nations to enhance their security and to achieving security and peace in the region and the world, aims to develop aspects of defense cooperation between the two countries and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression."
The agreement states that any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both."
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have longstanding strategic and defense cooperation but the latest pact is seen as significant against the backdrop of recent developments including Israeli strikes on Qatar.
A Saudi official, however, told Reuters that the agreement was not meant to respond to any specific event rather reflected the longstanding strategic cooperation between Islamabad and Riyadh.
The agreement marks a significant milestone in bilateral ties, which have long rested on close defense and security cooperation. For decades, Pakistani military trainers have served in the kingdom, while Riyadh has extended generous financial support to Islamabad in times of economic crisis.
The timing of the agreement is notable, coming at a moment when both sides face continued security challenges.
The prime Minister's visit, coupled with the signing of the pact, underlines Islamabad's efforts to cement ties with the Kingdom at both political and security levels, even as both countries continue to explore expanded economic cooperation.
Earlier, the prime minister was escorted by Saudi Air Force jets when his plane entered the Saudi airspace, in a rare gesture.
Later, the Saudi Crown Prince received Prime Minister Shehbaz, who was accompanied by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh, where both sides held an official round of talks in the presence of their respective delegations.
"At the outset of the session, His Excellency the Prime Minister of Pakistan conveyed his greetings and warm wishes to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud," the joint statement said.
"The two sides reviewed the historic and strategic relations between both countries, and a number of topics of common interest," it added.
The Pakistani premier "expressed his sincere gratitude and appreciation to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for the warm welcome and generous hospitality extended to him and his accompanying delegation."
Shehbaz also "conveyed his best wishes for the continued well-being of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister and the continued progress and prosperity, for the brotherly people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia."
In turn, the Saudi Crown Prince "extended his warm wishes for the good health and well-being of His Excellency the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and for further progress and prosperity for the brotherly people of Pakistan."
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