Pakistan and Saudi Arabia expressed satisfaction on Monday over the remarkable progress achieved under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, underscoring the imperative to further bolster defence cooperation, institutional linkages, and strategic coordination between the two brotherly nations.
This mutual understanding was reached during a pivotal meeting between Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of the Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and the Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr. Rajeh Tami Albugamy, held at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, as detailed in an official statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The two dignitaries engaged in comprehensive discussions on matters of mutual interest and the prevailing regional security dynamics, placing a special emphasis on intensifying collaborative defence efforts that fortify the bilateral partnership.
Field Marshal Munir warmly congratulated Dr. Albugamy on his recent appointment as Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Pakistan, expressing steadfast confidence that his tenure would significantly contribute to nurturing the deep-rooted, fraternal ties between the two countries—bonds anchored in shared faith, unwavering mutual trust, and a robust strategic partnership.
The ambassador, who arrived in Islamabad on September 26, has since held a series of high-level meetings with Pakistan’s top civilian and military leadership, reflecting the mutual resolve of Islamabad and Riyadh to consolidate their relationship across multiple fronts.
On October 14, President Asif Ali Zardari formally received Dr. Albugamy’s credentials at Aiwan-e-Sadr, reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to Saudi Arabia’s security and defence. The president also called for enhanced economic collaboration, spotlighting promising avenues for greater cooperation, and acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s invaluable financial assistance and steadfast support for oil supplies.
Two days later, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with the Saudi envoy and reiterated Pakistan’s resolute commitment to the kingdom’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity, especially amid escalating Houthi attacks. During that meeting, the prime minister lauded the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement and the Makkah Joint Defence framework as landmark milestones in the ever-evolving bilateral relations.