Egypt lauds Pakistan-Saudi defence pact

Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty has hailed the signing of the “Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement” between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, calling it a landmark step that strengthens bilateral trust, partnership and strategic cooperation.

In a telephone conversation with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Abdelatty offered his congratulations to both countries on the historic accord.

The two leaders also deliberated on regional and international dynamics, emphasizing the imperatives of peace, stability, and sustainable economic progress.

They reaffirmed their commitment to multilateral engagement and anticipated substantive dialogues at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly next week.

On Wednesday, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a landmark "Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement", declaring that "any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both", according to a Pak-Saudi joint statement.

Read: Pakistan, KSA sign defence pact

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.

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.

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.