- Premier Shehbaz hails Saudi Crown Prince’s ‘vision, leadership’ during landmark Riyadh visit
- Pact deepens Pak-Saudi defence cooperation amid regional security challenges
- Landmark pact declares ‘any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both’
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday departed for London after concluding his state visit to Saudi Arabia, where Pakistan and the Kingdom signed a milestone Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement aimed at deepening security and defence cooperation.
Deputy Governor of Riyadh, Prince Muhammad bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, bid farewell to the premier at Riyadh Airport. Pakistani prime minister had travelled to the Kingdom at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
The landmark pact, signed at Al-Yamamah Palace during the PM’s one-day visit, declared that “any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both.” The agreement, building on nearly eight decades of close ties, seeks to strengthen joint deterrence, expand defence cooperation, and promote security in the region and beyond.
The Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia H.R.H. Muhammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif exchange the documents of Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement (SMDA) in Riyadh.
#PakistanSaudiPartnership
(17 September… pic.twitter.com/unSTIgQx98— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) September 18, 2025
According to a Pak-Saudi joint statement, the accord reflects the “shared commitment of both nations to enhance their security, develop aspects of defence cooperation, and achieve peace in the region and the world.” A Saudi official, however, clarified to Reuters that the pact was not meant to respond to any specific event but rather underscored longstanding strategic cooperation.
The agreement comes at a sensitive regional juncture, marked by heightened tensions including Israeli strikes on Qatar. For decades, Pakistani military trainers have served in the Kingdom, while Riyadh has provided Islamabad with crucial financial support during economic crises. The latest pact, observers note, significantly elevates the bilateral partnership.
During talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the two leaders reviewed regional challenges and explored avenues to expand cooperation in defence, trade, and investment. The Prime Minister praised the Crown Prince’s “vision and leadership” in guiding the Muslim world and his “consistent support” for Pakistan.
Deeply touched by the heart warming welcome, accorded to me by my dear brother HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, on my official visit to Riyadh.
From the unprecedented escort provided to my aircraft by the Royal Saudi airforce jets… pic.twitter.com/RZvkOSQbF1
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) September 18, 2025
Earlier, in a rare gesture, Saudi Air Force jets escorted the premier’s aircraft upon entering Saudi airspace. Premier Shehbaz described the reception—which included a guard of honour by Saudi Armed Forces—as a reflection of the “abiding love and mutual respect” between the two countries.
The Pakistani delegation included Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. The two sides also exchanged greetings for King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.
Before departure, PM Shehbaz expressed his gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s hospitality and prayed for the Pakistan-Saudi friendship to “continue to flourish and attain new heights of glory.”
