ISLAMABAD – At the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Riyadh on an official visit from Islamabad, where Saudi F-15 fighter jets gave him a grand welcome. Both leaders signed a defense agreement aimed at ensuring mutual support for the sovereignty and security of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, upon arrival at King Khalid Airport in Riyadh, Deputy Governor of Riyadh Prince Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman bin Abdul Aziz, Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Maliki, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmed Farooq, and senior diplomatic officials warmly received the Prime Minister and his delegation. The city of Riyadh was decorated with Pakistan’s green crescent flags to mark the occasion.
The Prime Minister was presented with a 21-gun salute, and contingents of the Saudi armed forces rendered ceremonial honors.
Later, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived at Al-Yamamah Palace to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, where he was accorded royal protocol and received by mounted horse guards. A guard of honor was also presented by the Saudi armed forces.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Climate Change Minister Dr. Musadik Malik, and Special Assistant Syed Tariq Fatemi.
Earlier, as the Prime Minister’s aircraft entered Saudi airspace, Saudi F-15 fighter jets escorted his plane in a ceremonial reception. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif saluted the Saudi jets and personally thanked Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman via cockpit communication.
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif noted that the Saudi Air Force immediately assumed protective escort of the Prime Minister’s plane upon entry into Saudi airspace, calling it a demonstration of Saudi Arabia’s brotherly respect and affection, reflecting Pakistan’s strong diplomatic ties and the unmatched successes of its armed forces.
Joint Statement and Defence Agreement
Following the meeting, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia issued a joint statement confirming that, at the invitation of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid an official visit to the Kingdom.
At Al-Yamamah Palace, the two leaders held formal talks in the presence of their delegations. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conveyed his best wishes to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
Both sides reviewed the historic and strategic relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, exchanging views on a wide range of issues of mutual interest.
The joint statement emphasized that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia share nearly eight decades of historic partnership, brotherhood, and Islamic solidarity. The two nations also reaffirmed their close defense cooperation and common strategic interests.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif signed the “Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement” (SMDA) between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
According to the declaration, the agreement reflects the shared commitment to strengthen national security and to pursue peace and stability in the region and beyond. It aims to deepen defense cooperation and ensure joint protection against any act of aggression.
The agreement states that an attack against one country will be considered an attack against both.
What is the Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement?
This landmark pact is considered a revolutionary step, solidifying the depth of the strategic partnership and defense cooperation between the two nations. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir played a key role in the successful finalization of the agreement.
Key Points of the Agreement:
Pakistan will stand alongside Saudi Arabia in the protection of the Two Holy Mosques — Masjid al-Haram and Masjid an-Nabawi ﷺ. Pakistan is the first country to receive this honor.
The agreement enhances defense preparedness, joint capabilities, and integration.
Any external attack on one nation will be treated as an attack on both.
The agreement reaffirms bilateral relations, security cooperation, and shared goals of peace, stability, and prosperity for the region and the world.
It is also expected to yield mutual benefits in security, economy, and diplomacy.
What does “joint defense” mean?
It means that in the face of any threat, both countries will cooperate fully, with each nation’s strength available for the defense of the other.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed heartfelt gratitude to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the warm reception and generous hospitality. He also conveyed his best wishes for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman, the Crown Prince, and the brotherly people of Saudi Arabia.
The Crown Prince, in turn, extended good wishes for the health and success of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and for the continued progress and prosperity of the people of Pakistan.
