Pakistan Saudi Arabia Sign Defence Pact for Joint Response
Pakistan Saudi Defence Pact, In a “Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement” signed in Riyadh on Wednesday, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif agreed that any attack on one country would be viewed as an act of aggression against both.
Long-standing strategic military collaboration, shared economic interests, and an Islamic heritage have all contributed to the two nations’ complex relationship.
Economic support and energy supplies have also been a part of these relationships, with Riyadh serving as a major supplier of both for Islamabad.
“Any aggression against either country shall be considered an act of aggression against both,” read a statement from the prime minister’s office announcing the signing of the agreement at a meeting at Yamama Palace in Riyadh.
The statement said, “This agreement aims to develop aspects of defence cooperation between the two countries and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression, reflecting the shared commitment of both nations to enhance their security and to achieve security and peace in the region and the world.”
“Historic partnership extending for nearly eight decades … based on the bonds of brotherhood and Islamic solidarity, … shared strategic interests and close defence cooperation,” the statement continued, was the premise for the agreement’s signing between Islamabad and Riyadh.
The two sides and their delegations discussed a number of issues of shared interest as well as the strategic and historical ties between the two nations, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of the Saudi Crown was sincerely thanked and appreciated by [PM] Shehbaz Sharif.
Appreciate the kind reception and abundant hospitality shown to him and his entourage,” the statement said.
Additionally, His Excellency [PM Shehbaz] expressed his warmest wishes on the ongoing health and well-being of [Saudi Crown] Prince Mohammed bin Salman, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, and Promoting the ongoing development and well-being of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s fraternal citizens.
According to the PM’s office, the Saudi crown prince in turn sent PM Shehbaz heartfelt wishes for health and well-being, expressing his hope for continued advancement and success for Pakistan’s fraternal people.
The two had previously met with the Saudi crown prince at Yamama Palace to discuss a number of bilaterally relevant topics.
The Saudi crown prince greeted the PM and gave him a guard of honour.
SOURCE: DAWN News
