Pakistan, Saudi Arabia Discuss Strengthening Strategic Defence Partnership
Chief of General Staff (CGS) Lieutenant General Aamer Raza met Saudi Chief of General Staff General Fayyadh Bin Hameed Al-Rowaily in Riyadh to explore ways to expand defence cooperation and further advance the mutual defence agreement between the two countries, the ISPR reported on Friday.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia share a longstanding strategic relationship that includes defence collaboration, economic support, and deep cultural and religious ties. Riyadh has remained an important partner for Islamabad, particularly in energy and financial assistance.
Focus on Defence Cooperation and Interoperability
According to the ISPR, both sides discussed “matters of mutual strategic interest,” including enhancing military cooperation, improving interoperability, and boosting collaboration under the recently signed mutual defence pact.
The statement added that both countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their brotherly ties, contributing to peace, stability, and self-reliance in the region.
Defence Industrial Forum Convenes in Riyadh
A special session of the Pakistan–KSA Bilateral Defence Industrial Forum was also held. The Pakistani delegation, led by Lt Gen Aamer Raza, met with the Saudi team headed by Khalid Al Biyari, Assistant Minister of Defence for Executive Affairs.
During the meeting, both sides reviewed ongoing defence projects and explored opportunities for new joint ventures, particularly in emerging technologies aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Lt Gen Raza also reaffirmed Pakistan’s ongoing support for the capacity building of the Royal Saudi Defence Forces. The Saudi leadership, in turn, appreciated Pakistan’s contributions in counterterrorism and efforts to promote regional stability.
Background: Mutual Defence Agreement
In September, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signed the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, under which an attack on either country would be considered an attack on both. The agreement aims to deepen defence ties, enhance deterrence, and promote lasting peace and security in the region.
