Saudi Arabia signs mutual defence pact with nuclear-armed Pakistan

According to state media reports from both countries, a formal pact between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, which significantly strengthens a decades-long security partnership.

This agreement seeks to develop aspects of defense cooperation between the two nations and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression, as well as the shared commitment of both countries to enhance their security and to achieving security and peace in the region and the world. According to the Saudi Press Agency, a joint statement released on Wednesday stated that any aggression against either country shall be regarded as an act of aggression against both.

According to the statement, the two countries “shared strategic interests and close defense cooperation” as the foundation for the defense pact.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif “discussed ways to enhance the strategic partnership between the two brotherly countries across various fields” during their meeting on Wednesday in Riyadh, according to SPA.

They also exchanged opinions on issues of interest to both the United States and abroad, as well as the efforts to achieve security and stability.

Sharif is currently visiting Saudi Arabia as a governor.

The result of many discussions is this agreement. When questioned about the timing, a senior Saudi official told the Reuters news agency that this was not a response to specific countries or particular circumstances, but rather an institutionalization of long-standing and effective cooperation between our two nations.

When asked whether the mutual defense pact included the use of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons if necessary, the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “This is a comprehensive defensive agreement that encompasses all military means.”

Following Israel’s September 9 attack on the Qatari capital Doha, an extraordinary joint session of the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) was convened two days later.

Israel’s attack, which targeted members of Hamas’ political leadership as they gathered to discuss a US-backed ceasefire proposal, was widely condemned by Arab and Islamic countries.

The senior Saudi official did point out that India’s nuclear-armed relationship was still strong. In May, India and Pakistan engaged in a brief conflict.

“India has always been a partner for us,” he says. The official said, “We will keep expanding this relationship and will use every means possible to promote regional peace.”

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have long had enmity with one another in terms of military and trade.