ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to further strengthen fraternal ties with Saudi Arabia in all domains, including defence, security, and economic cooperation.
He was talking to the Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of Saudi Arabia, General Fayyad bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili, who called on him in Islamabad on Monday, a PM House statement said.
The PM conveyed his warm wishes to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, as well as to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz.
The Prime Minister welcomed General Al-Ruwaili and conveyed Pakistan’s deep appreciation for the unwavering support and solidarity extended by Saudi Arabia at all times. He said that the relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia was rooted in shared faith, common values, and mutual trust.
“Recalling his highly successful visits to Riyadh in the last two months, during which the historic Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) was signed between the two sides, the Prime Minister expressed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to further deepening of bilateral defence collaboration, including joint training, exercises, and exchange of expertise,” the statement said.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the shared resolve of both countries to combat terrorism and extremism in all its forms and manifestations, and to promote peace and stability in the region.
General Al-Ruwaili conveyed the warm greetings of the Saudi leadership to the Prime Minister and the people of Pakistan. He reiterated the Kingdom’s strong desire to elevate the existing excellent defence and strategic partnership with Pakistan to new heights.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif were also present in the meeting.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have long enjoyed close ties but have sought to broaden cooperation in recent years, including a defence pact signed in Riyadh during the prime minister’s visit on Sept. 18 and 34 memorandums of understanding worth $2.8 billion across multiple sectors last year.
The two nations share longstanding ties rooted in faith, mutual respect and strategic cooperation, with Riyadh remaining a key political and economic partner of Islamabad. The Kingdom also hosts over 2.5 million Pakistani expatriates, the largest source of remittances for Pakistan’s $407 billion economy.
