RAWALPINDI: The military leadership of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Monday agreed to strengthen bilateral defence and security cooperation and reaffirmed their resolve to further deepen ties between the two countries, a military statement said.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the commitment was made during a meeting between Chief of the Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and General Fayyadh Bin Hameed Al Rowaili, Chief of General Staff (CGS), Saudi Armed Forces, at the General Headquarters (GHQ).
During the meeting, both sides reviewed matters of mutual interest, with a particular focus on strengthening the longstanding and strategic military cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
“They emphasised the importance of further enhancing defence collaboration, security cooperation, and counter-terrorism efforts, which continue to be pillars of the deep-rooted bilateral relationship,” ISPR said in the statement.
General Fayyadh Bin Hameed Al Rowaili appreciated Pakistan’s cooperation in multiple fields with the Saudi Armed Forces and reaffirmed his commitment to furthering the strong bonds of cooperation.
Earlier, the Saudi dignitary laid a floral wreath at Yadgar-e-Shuhada (memorials of martyrs) and was presented a Guard of Honour by a smartly turned-out contingent of the Pakistan Army upon arrival at GHQ.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have long shared a multifaceted relationship rooted in strategic military cooperation, mutual economic interests, and shared Islamic heritage.
In September, the two countries signed a “Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement” in Riyadh, pledging that any attack on either nation would be treated as an act of aggression against both.
The Kingdom hosts more than 2.5 million Pakistani expatriates — the largest overseas community sending remittances back to Pakistan — and has repeatedly provided Islamabad with financial support during its economic crises.
Defence cooperation between the two countries has included training, arms purchases, and joint military exercises.
