Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at Yamama Palace on Wednesday to discuss deepening the multifaceted relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, rooted in shared economic, strategic, and Islamic ties.

Welcomed with a guard of honour, Shehbaz was greeted by the crown prince and earlier by Riyadh Deputy Governor Muhammad bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz upon arrival, according to state-run PTV News. In a gesture of goodwill, the Saudi Air Force’s F-15 jets escorted the prime minister’s plane as it entered Saudi airspace, a move PTV described as a reflection of “brotherly love and respect” attributed to Sharif’s diplomatic efforts and the achievements of Pakistan’s armed forces.

The Foreign Office said Shehbaz Sharif’s visit, at the crown prince’s invitation, aimed to review the full spectrum of bilateral relations, including economic assistance and energy cooperation, with Saudi Arabia being a key provider of financial aid and oil to Pakistan. The leaders were expected to exchange views on regional and global issues and formalize cooperation in diverse fields to benefit both nations.

“This visit will consolidate our historic partnership while exploring new avenues of collaboration,” the Foreign Office stated, emphasizing the shared commitment to enhancing fraternal ties.

Accompanying the premier were Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Environment Minister Musadik Malik, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi, Radio Pakistan reported.

The visit follows recent high-level engagements, including President Asif Zardari’s July meeting with the Saudi ambassador to discuss trade, economic, and cultural cooperation, and Sharif’s June visit, where he thanked the crown prince for his role in de-escalating tensions between Pakistan and India in May.

The Saudi Crown Prince wished Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif good health and prosperity for Pakistan.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia sign historic strategic mutual defence agreement

Meanwhile, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have concluded a historic strategic mutual defence agreement, under which Pakistan becomes a partner in the protection of the Two Holy Mosques. The pact affirms Pakistan’s role alongside Saudi Arabia in defending the sacred sites and strengthens defence cooperation between the two countries. The heads of state of both nations signed the landmark agreement, with Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir playing a key role in its success.

In light of current and anticipated threats and challenges, the agreement aims to enhance defence capabilities and integrate the military forces of both countries. Under its terms, any external armed attack on either nation will be considered an attack on both. This accord thus represents a significant milestone in the defence relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

The signing reflects the deep bilateral ties and security cooperation maintained over decades, including joint military training, multilateral exercises and defence industry collaboration. The agreement also serves the shared objective of promoting peace and consolidating regional and international security. For both countries, the defence pact offers substantial benefits in terms of security, economy and diplomacy.

Joint defence means that both nations will confront any threat together, with the military strength of one supporting the defence of the other.