On Wednesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at Yamama Palace to talk about enhancing the diverse relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, based on common economic, strategic, and Islamic connections.
Upon arrival, Shehbaz was welcomed with a guard of honour by the crown prince and earlier by Riyadh’s Deputy Governor Muhammad bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, as reported by state-run PTV News. In a sign of goodwill, F-15 jets from the Saudi Air Force accompanied the prime minister’s plane upon its entry into Saudi airspace, an action PTV cited as indicative of “brotherly love and respect” linked to Sharif’s diplomatic initiatives and the successes of Pakistan’s military forces.
The Foreign Office stated that Shehbaz Sharif’s trip, invited by the crown prince, sought to assess the entire range of bilateral ties, encompassing economic support and energy collaboration, with Saudi Arabia being a crucial source of financial aid and oil for Pakistan. The leaders were anticipated to share perspectives on regional and global matters and establish collaboration in various areas to advantage both countries.
“The Foreign Office noted that this visit will strengthen our long-standing partnership while seeking new paths for collaboration, highlighting our mutual dedication to improving friendly relations.”
Alongside the premier were Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Environment Minister Musadik Malik, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi, as reported by Radio Pakistan.
The visit comes after recent high-level interactions, such as President Asif Zardari’s meeting with the Saudi ambassador in July to explore trade, economic, and cultural collaboration, and Sharif’s visit in June, during which he expressed gratitude to the crown prince for his contribution to reducing tensions between Pakistan and India in May.
The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia conveyed his wishes for good health and prosperity to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan.
Pakistan & Saudi Arabia ink sign strategic Defense Cooperation Pact.
In the meantime, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have finalized a momentous strategic mutual defense pact, whereby Pakistan joins in safeguarding the Two Holy Mosques. The agreement reaffirms Pakistan’s partnership with Saudi Arabia in protecting the holy sites and enhances military collaboration between the nations. The leaders of the two countries formalized the historic agreement, with Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir significantly contributing to its achievement.
Considering existing and expected threats and challenges, the agreement seeks to strengthen defence capabilities and unify the military forces of the two nations. According to its provisions, any military aggression against one country will be viewed as an assault on both. This agreement therefore marks an important milestone in the defense ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
The agreement signifies the strong bilateral relationships and security partnership built over years, encompassing joint military training, multilateral drills, and collaboration in the defense sector. The accord also aims to foster peace and strengthen both regional and international security. The defense agreement provides significant advantages regarding security, economy, and diplomacy for both nations.
Joint defence signifies that both countries will face any danger collectively, with the military power of one aiding the protection of the other.
