PM Shehbaz ‘deeply touched’ by Saudi welcome after signing landmark defense pact in Riyadh

APP

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said he was “deeply touched” by the warm welcome extended by Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman during his state visit to Riyadh a day earlier.

In a post on X, the prime minister highlighted the unprecedented protocol — from the Royal Saudi Air Force jets escorting his aircraft to the guard of honour presented by the Saudi Armed Forces — calling it a reflection of the “abiding love and mutual respect” between the two countries.

Shehbaz arrived in Riyadh on Wednesday at the crown prince’s invitation, accompanied by a high-level delegation including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Army Chief Gen. Syed Asim Munir, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Climate Change Minister Musadik Malik, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi.

The premier was received at King Khalid Airport with a 21-gun salute and traditional Saudi royal protocol. Deputy Governor of Riyadh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz and senior Saudi officials welcomed him, while Pakistan’s flags were displayed along the motorcade route.

Later at Al-Yamamah Palace, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman personally received the prime minister. The two leaders reviewed the historic and strategic ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, and discussed regional and global challenges.

The highlight of the visit was the signing of the Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement, under which “any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both.” According to a joint statement, the pact aims to enhance defense cooperation and strengthen joint deterrence, building on nearly eight decades of partnership.

The prime minister described his talks with the crown prince as “most cordial,” noting that they covered a wide range of issues, including Saudi investment and trade opportunities in Pakistan. He lauded the Saudi leader’s “vision and leadership” in guiding the Muslim world.

“It is my fervent prayer that Pakistan-Saudi Arabia’s friendship continues to flourish and attain new heights of glory. Inshallah,” Shehbaz added in his X post.