‘Aggression against either country to be considered aggression against both’ : Pakistani military might, Saudi financial heft to redraw Gulf security map

RIYADH: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia Wednesday signed the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement aiming to develop aspects of defence cooperation between the two countries and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression.

The agreement reflects the shared commitment of both nations to enhance their security and to achieving security and peace in the region, and the world.

The agreement states that any aggression against either country will be considered an aggression against both.

Talking to Reuters, a senior Saudi official said defence pact between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan reflects longstanding cooperation between the two countries, not a response to specific events.

The Saudi official further said the defence pact is a comprehensive defensive agreement that encompasses all military means.

According to the joint statement issued by the PM office, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid state visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the invitation of Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

Upon his arrival at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh, the prime minister was received with Saudi royal protocol and welcomed by horse-mounted guards, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.

At the Royal Palace, the crown prince received the prime minister. A guard of honor was presented to the prime minister by the contingents of the Saudi Armed Forces.

Both sides held an official session of talks in the presence of both countries’ delegations. At the outset of the session the prime minister conveyed his greetings and warm wishes to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The two sides reviewed the historic and strategic relations between both countries, and a number of topics of common interest.

Building on the historic partnership extending for nearly eight decades between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, and based on the bonds of brotherhood and Islamic solidarity, as well as shared strategic interests and close defence cooperation between the two countries, the crown prince and the prime minister signed the “Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement”.

Shehbaz expressed his sincere gratitude and appreciation to MBS for the warm welcome and generous hospitality extended to him and his accompanying delegation. He also conveyed his best wishes for the continued well-being of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the continued progress and prosperity, for the brotherly people of Saudi Arabia. The crown prince in turn extended his warm wishes for the good health and well-being of the prime minister, and for further progress and prosperity for the brotherly people of Pakistan.

According to Geo News, during the meeting, PM Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia on the Palestine issue.

The discussions focused on tensions in the Middle East, the Palestinian issue and other key matters. During the meeting, both leaders strongly condemned the recent Israeli attack in Doha.

Speaking on the occasion, the Saudi crown prince said the resolution of the Palestine issue is vital for peace in the Middle East.Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir (Chief of Army Staff), Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister for Climate Change Dr. Musadik Malik and PM’s Special Assistant Syed Tariq Fatemi were also attending the meeting. Earlier, as the prime minister’s special aircraft entered the Saudi airspace, F-15 jets of Royal Saudi Air Force escorted the plane as gesture of warm welcome. Later, as the plane landed at King Khalid Airport, Riyadh, a 21-gun salute boomed in the background to herald his arrival which followed the salute by the smartly turned out contingents of Saudi Armed Forces. The prime minister was warmly received by Riyadh Deputy Governor Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, while Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Maliki, Pakistani Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmed Farooq and senior diplomatic officials were also present. The green crescent flags of Pakistan were fluttering throughout the city along the motorcade of the prime minister. Speaking onboard his special flight, PM Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude to Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman and King Salman bin Abdul Aziz for the gracious aerial welcome extended by the Royal Saudi Air Force.