Pakistan, Saudi Arabia Express Satisfaction on Progress Made Under Makkah Joint Defence Agreement

October 19, 2026 at 7:55 PM
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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and newly appointed Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dr. Rajeh Tami Albugamy, have expressed satisfaction over the progress made under the Makkah defence agreement, the military’s media affairs wing said in a statement on Monday.

During the meeting at General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi, matters of mutual interest and regional security dynamics were discussed, Inter-Service Public Relations (ISPR) said.

Both sides underscored the importance of strengthening defence collaboration, institutional linkages and strategic coordination.

The Field Marshal congratulated the Ambassador on his appointment and expressed confidence that his tenure would further contribute to strengthening the longstanding fraternal ties between the countries, rooted in shared faith, mutual trust and strategic partnership.

Islamabad and Riyadh have signed two defence pacts aimed at collective deterrence, the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement between the two and the Makkah Joint Defence Alliance that also includes Turkiye.

Earlier on Sunday, ISPR Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to Saudi Arabia’s defence, saying it will provide whatever support is needed to protect the Kingdom’s sovereignty and Islam’s holiest sites, while stressing that its military alliance with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye is purely defensive and could be expanded to include other countries.

“The Saudis’ sovereignty and territorial integrity, security, and foremost, the security of the Haramain Sharifain is paramount. It’s non-negotiable,” Chaudhry said.

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Pakistan PM reaffirms support for Saudi Arabia

Earlier on Friday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia in protecting its sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.

He made the remarks during a meeting with the newly arrived Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dr. Rajeh Tami Albugamy, who called on him in Islamabad, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

During the meeting, PM Shehbaz said Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations had made significant progress in recent years and reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation across various sectors.

He strongly condemned the recent escalation in Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, which had resulted in deaths and injuries, including among Pakistani nationals, the statement said.

He underlined that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had always stood by each other and that the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement and the Makkah Joint Defence Alliance marked historic milestones in their longstanding fraternal relations and reflected their shared commitment to regional peace and security.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed that Pakistan stood shoulder to shoulder with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in safeguarding its sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.

The Prime Minister thanked the Saudi leadership for its longstanding economic and financial support to Pakistan.

Deputy PM vows to strengthen strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia

Ambassador Albugamy also held a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, where the latter underscored the longstanding fraternal and strategic partnership between Islamabad and Riyadh, according to the Foreign Office (FO).

He also reaffirmed the two countries’ shared commitment to further strengthen bilateral cooperation for mutual progress and prosperity”

The Ambassador conveyed the greetings of the Saudi leadership to Pakistan’s leadership and people.

President Zardari reaffirms Pakistan’s support for the Kingdom

Dr. Rajeh Tami Albugamy last Wednesday presented his credentials to President Asif Ali Zardari at the President’s House.

The President felicitated the ambassador on his appointment and wished him success in his diplomatic assignments. He expressed confidence that they would help strengthen the country’s relations with their respective countries and expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

He underscored the close strategic partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to the Kingdom’s security and defence.

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