Pakistan, Saudi Arabia pledge to strengthen defence ties amid regional challenges

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Thursday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening defence and security cooperation and recognising the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing regional security challenges, media reports said.

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have long shared a multifaceted relationship rooted in mutual economic interests, strategic military cooperation, and shared Islamic heritage.

Historically, these ties have encompassed economic assistance, energy supplies and military collaboration, with Saudi Arabia being a significant source of financial aid and oil for Pakistan.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Jeddah on Wednesday on a four-day official visit to engage in talks with the Saudi leadership on strengthening cooperation in various economic sectors.

In a bilateral meeting in Jeddah on Thursday, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and PM Shehbaz discussed bilateral ties and cooperation between the two countries.

In a post on social media platform X, Shehbaz wrote: “Honoured to meet His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in Jeddah today. We had a most productive discussion on ways to further strengthen Pakistan-Saudi Arabia ties in trade, investment, energy and security. Thanked His Royal Highness for the Kingdom’s consistent support to Pakistan.

“Our enduring friendship and shared vision for prosperity is taking our bilateral relations to new heights and transforming it into a mutually beneficial economic partnership,” he continued. “Lauded the pivotal role played by His Royal Highness and the Kingdom in efforts to bring peace in the Middle East and in Ukraine.”

The high-level delegation accompanying the premier includes Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, federal ministers and senior officials.

The meeting reaffirmed strong and historic ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, with discussions focusing on enhancement of cooperation in economy, trade, investment, energy and defence sectors.

During the meeting, the leaders expressed their satisfaction with the growing economic collaboration between the two nations.

The prime minister appreciated the Kingdom’s commitment to increasing investments in key sectors, which will contribute to Pakistan’s economic growth and stability.
The two leaders also held in-depth discussions on the “evolving regional situation as well as geopolitical landscape and agreed to work closely at all levels for promoting their shared vision for peace, stability and prosperity in the region”.