Key Points
- Deputy PM calls Pak-Saudi deal historic
- Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are satisfied with the agreement
- Saudi Arabia played a key role in supporting Pakistan
- Deal was signed during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s state visit to Riyadh
LONDON: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday indicated that several countries have expressed interest in signing strategic defence agreements with Pakistan, following the country’s landmark accord with Saudi Arabia.
“It is premature to say something, but after this development, other countries have also expressed a desire for similar arrangements,” he said. “But such things follow a due process. Even with Saudi Arabia, it took several months to finalise.”
Speaking to reporters in London, Ishaq Dar termed the defence agreement with Saudi Arabia a historic milestone, saying that there had always been informal beliefs among the government and the people of Pakistan regarding the security of Saudi Arabia, especially the protection of Harmain Sharifain, but this has become formal now after the signing of the pact.
Dar noted that both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were satisfied and happy with the agreement, adding that the Kingdom had consistently stood by Pakistan during difficult times. “Saudi Arabia played key role in supporting Pakistan following the international crisis and during the recent economic crisis,” he added.
The Pakistan-Saudi Arabia pact was signed during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s state visit to Riyadh on September 17, where he was received by Crown Prince and PM Mohammed bin Salman at Al-Yamamah Palace.
“This agreement, which reflects the shared commitment of both nations to enhance their security and to achieve security and peace in the region and the world, aims to develop aspects of defence cooperation between the two countries and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression. The agreement states that any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both,” a statement from the prime minister’s office said.
