Pakistan and Saudi Arabia Sign Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement
RIYADH | September 18, 2025 — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Wednesday signed a landmark Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, marking a new chapter in the longstanding partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
Strengthening Defence and Security Cooperation
The agreement, signed at Riyadh’s Yamama Palace, states that “any aggression against one country will be considered an attack on both.” Officials described the pact as a major step toward enhancing regional security, boosting defence collaboration, and strengthening deterrence against external threats.
This milestone builds on nearly eight decades of close relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, rooted in shared strategic, economic, and cultural ties.
High-Level Diplomatic Engagement
During the meeting, both leaders reviewed bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and global developments. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude to the Saudi leadership for their warm hospitality and conveyed his best wishes for the health of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
In return, the Crown Prince praised Pakistan’s enduring friendship with Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed Riyadh’s commitment to further expanding cooperation across defence, trade, and energy.
Symbolic Welcome in Riyadh
Upon arrival, Prime Minister Sharif received a guard of honour from Saudi officials, underscoring the importance of the visit. His aircraft was also escorted by Saudi Air Force jets as it entered the kingdom’s airspace — a symbolic gesture reflecting the depth of bilateral ties.
The Foreign Office of Pakistan hailed the reception as a “powerful symbol of brotherly respect and solidarity.”
Exploring Future Cooperation
The visit provides both nations with an opportunity to explore new areas of collaboration, from defence and security to trade, energy, and cultural exchanges.
Prime Minister Sharif was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Environment Minister Musadik Malik, and Special Assistant to the PM Tariq Fatemi.
Building on Past Engagements
This agreement follows a series of recent diplomatic interactions. In June, Prime Minister Sharif met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss regional stability, while in July, President Asif Zardari met the Saudi ambassador in Islamabad to explore deeper cooperation in trade and culture.
A Historic Step Forward
Officials on both sides view the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement as a defining moment in Pakistan–Saudi Arabia relations. The pact not only reinforces defence ties but also sets the stage for closer cooperation in economic development, energy security, and regional peace.
