ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said that he was “deeply touched” by the heart warming welcome, accorded to him by Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman on his visit to Riyadh.
“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 visit to Riyadh,” the prime minister wrote on his X timeline.
He said that from the unprecedented escort provided to his aircraft by the Royal Saudi Air Force jets to the smartly turned out guard of the Saudi Armed Forces, the welcome reception spoke volumes about the abiding love and mutual respect between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
The prime minister said that his “most cordial” talks with the Crown Prince covered a wide range of issues, reviewing regional challenges and enhancing bilateral cooperation, deeply admiring the Saudi leader’s vision and leadership that he provided to the Muslim world.
On the bilateral front, he said that he greatly valued the Crown Prince’s consistent support and his keen interest in expanding Saudi investments, trade and business ties between the two countries.
“It is my fervent prayer that Pakistan-Saudi Arabia’s friendship continues to flourish and attain new heights of glory. Inshallah,” he added.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have formalised a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, pledging that any aggression against one will be treated as aggression against both.
The pact was signed during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s state visit, hosted by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at Al-Yamamah Palace.
The accord aims to deepen defence cooperation, build joint deterrence, and contribute to regional and global peace.
Analysts called it a historic step that elevates an eight-decade partnership rooted in brotherhood and shared strategic interests.
Binding clause signals stronger security partnership
Officials said the agreement’s core clause creates a clear security umbrella, reflecting Riyadh’s trust in Islamabad’s capabilities.
In addition, the timing follows recent regional turbulence, including Israeli strikes near Doha, and growing concerns about sovereignty and unilateral escalation.
Furthermore, experts noted that while Pakistan has joined defence pacts before, this one stands out for its explicit commitment to collective response, positioning Pakistan as a reliable pillar of stability in the Muslim world.
