Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday reiterated Pakistan’s strong commitment to deepening defence and security cooperation with Saudi Arabia, emphasizing joint military training, exercises, and professional collaboration.
He shared these remarks during a meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Chief of General Staff (CGS), General Fayyadh Bin Hameed Al Rowaili, who visited the Prime Minister at the PM House. PM Shehbaz highlighted Pakistan’s unwavering dedication to enhancing bilateral ties and praised the historic Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) signed between the two countries.
The prime minister also reaffirmed the shared resolve of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to counter terrorism and extremism while working together to promote regional peace and stability.
General Al Rowaili conveyed the greetings of the Saudi leadership and emphasized Riyadh’s determination to elevate defence and strategic cooperation to new levels.
The high-level meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, and senior officials from both nations.
Earlier in the day, the Saudi CGS held discussions with Field Marshal Asim Munir at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), both military leaders focused on boosting long-standing defence ties, security cooperation, and counter-terrorism initiatives. General Al Rowaili also praised Pakistan’s continued support for the Saudi Armed Forces.
Upon his arrival at GHQ, General Al Rowaili laid a floral wreath at Yadgar-e-Shuhada and received a guard of honour.
Pakistan–Saudi relations reached a major milestone in September when both nations signed the landmark SMDA, which states that an attack on one country will be considered an attack on both. The agreement was finalized in Riyadh on September 17 during PM Shehbaz’s meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Later, Deputy PM Ishaq Dar revealed that several Arab and Muslim nations have expressed interest in forming similar agreements with Pakistan. Addressing the National Assembly on October 3, he said the pact has the potential to evolve into an Eastern version of NATO if more countries join, adding that Pakistan could soon emerge as a leading voice among the 57 Islamic nations.
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