On Wednesday, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a groundbreaking ‘Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement.’ This pivotal accord ensures that aggression towards one nation will be perceived as an assault on both, elevating their joint deterrence capabilities and fortifying the long-standing military and security collaboration between the two nations.
This significant agreement emerges amid the Middle East’s turbulent climate, where protracted conflicts have stirred fears of widespread instability, emphasizing the Gulf states’ urgent need for fortified security and defense alliances. This Riyadh accord highlights both nations’ intent to transform deep-rooted military relations into an unwavering security pledge.
The treaty was inked during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s official visit to Riyadh, where a landmark meeting took place with Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman at the prestigious Al-Yamamah Palace. In the company of senior ministers and military leaders, the two dignitaries celebrated what Sharif’s office described as a “historic and strategic” bond, while delving into significant regional matters.
The joint declaration emphasized that any form of aggression directed at either country will be treated as an attack on both, showcasing the bilateral drive to fortify defense collaboration and contribute towards regional and global peace.
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have sustained robust political, military, and economic connections for decades. With over 2.5 million Pakistani expatriates residing in the Kingdom, the largest diaspora sending remittances home, Saudi Arabia has been a reliable ally, consistently providing financial aid during Pakistan’s economic predicaments. Their defense collaboration has encompassed training, arms deals, and joint military maneuvers.
By formalizing this alliance into a mutual defense pact, analysts assert that the relationship is now on equal footing with other significant strategic partnerships within the region.