Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Wednesday agreed to a landmark Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement, pledging to treat any aggression against one country as aggression against both.
The accord was signed during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s state visit to Riyadh, where he was received by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at Al-Yamamah Palace.
“Building on a partnership extending nearly eight decades, and grounded in bonds of brotherhood, Islamic solidarity and shared strategic interests, the two sides signed the Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement,” read a joint statement issued after the signing.
It said the pact reflected a joint commitment to enhance bilateral security ties and contribute to regional and global peace. It aims to develop defense cooperation further and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression. Crucially, the agreement stipulates that any aggression against one country would be considered aggression against both.
A statement issued by the Saudi Arabia Embassy to Islamabad states the pact includes joint military exercises to improve operational readiness and interoperability, and intelligence sharing to counter emerging threats, particularly terrorism and cross-border insurgencies. Additionally, it states, the two states would engage in defense industry collaboration, with potential for technology transfer and co-production of military equipment. Further, the two states would also engage in capacity building and training. It stressed that the accord sends a clear “deterrent message.”
The timing of the agreement has led analysts to attribute it to Israel launching a strike at Qatar, targeting Hamas leaders in Doha. The move sparked outrage among Muslim nations and world leaders alike.
In a statement, the prime minister expressed his sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Saudi crown prince for the warm welcome and generous hospitality extended to him and his delegation. He 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 the crown prince and continued progress and prosperity for the brotherly people of the Kingdom.
The Saudi king, meanwhile, extended his warm wishes for the well-being of P.M. Shehbaz and for further progress and prosperity for the brotherly people of Pakistan.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb were also in attendance at the meeting.
Earlier, upon the prime minister’s arrival to Riyadh at the invitation of the Saudi crown prince, his aircraft was escorted by F-15 jets of the Royal Saudi Air Force as a gesture of warm welcome. Upon landing, he received a 21-gun salute.