Pakistan and Saudi Arabia Sign Historic Mutual Defense Pact – Aggression Against One to Be Considered Aggression Against Both
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Riyadh on an official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Upon entering Saudi airspace, the Prime Minister’s aircraft was escorted by Saudi F-15 fighter jets in a grand welcome.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Shehbaz Sharif was warmly received at King Khalid International Airport by Riyadh’s Deputy Governor Prince Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman bin Abdul Aziz, Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmad Farooq, and other senior officials. The Saudi capital was adorned with Pakistan’s green crescent flags to mark the occasion.
PM Shehbaz was presented a 21-gun salute and a guard of honor by the Saudi armed forces.
Later, PM Shehbaz Sharif arrived at Al-Yamamah Palace where he was welcomed with full royal protocol, including a ceremonial horse-mounted reception. Saudi armed forces once again presented him with a guard of honor before he met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Senior officials including Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Climate Change Minister Dr. Musadik Malik, and Special Assistant to the PM Syed Tariq Fatemi were also present at the meeting.
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said that the warm reception — including the F-15 escort — reflects the brotherly love and respect from the Saudi leadership and highlights Pakistan’s important standing in the Muslim world.
Joint Statement & Signing of the Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement
Both countries issued a joint statement confirming the signing of the Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement (SMDA) between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The agreement aims to enhance the sovereignty and security of both nations and strengthen cooperation against any aggression.
The joint communiqué stated that any aggression against one country would be considered aggression against both, and both nations will respond jointly.
The SMDA seeks to deepen defense collaboration, strengthen military preparedness, and enhance joint capabilities. Under the agreement, Pakistan will work with Saudi Arabia to protect the holy mosques of Makkah and Madinah — an honor Pakistan has been granted as the first country to formally share this responsibility with Saudi Arabia.
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir played a key role in finalizing this milestone agreement.
Significance of the Agreement
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Strengthens military integration and cooperation between the two nations
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Commits to joint defense in the event of external aggression
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Enhances regional and global security efforts
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Affirms close diplomatic, economic, and security ties
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude to the Crown Prince for the warm welcome and hospitality, extending best wishes for the health of King Salman, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the continued prosperity of the people of Saudi Arabia.
The Crown Prince reciprocated with good wishes for PM Shehbaz Sharif’s health and well-being and expressed hope for Pakistan’s further progress and prosperity.