Saudi Arabia, Pakistan seek enhanced defense collaboration, security cooperation

KARACHI, Pakistan

The Saudi military chief met with Pakistan's prime minister and army chief on Monday, calling for increased defense collaboration and security cooperation, according to an official statement issued by Islamabad.

Gen. Fayyadh bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili, chief of general staff of the Saudi Armed Forces, emphasized increased defense and military cooperation during his meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the capital of Islamabad, the Prime Minister's Office statement said.

Ruwaili's visit to Pakistan follows the signing of a strategic mutual defense agreement in September of this year.

Sharif referred to the agreement and expressed Pakistan's "unwavering" commitment to deepening bilateral defense cooperation, including joint training, exercises, and expertise exchange.

He also reaffirmed his "steadfast" commitment to strengthening ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in all areas, including defense, security, and economic cooperation.

Ruwaili also met with Pakistan's military chief, Gen. Syed Asim Munir, at Army Headquarters in the garrison city of Rawalpindi, according to a statement from Inter Services Public Relations, the army's media wing.

According to the statement, Munir and Rowaili discussed “matters of mutual interest, with a particular focus on strengthening the longstanding and strategic military cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

“They emphasized the importance of further enhancing defense collaboration, security cooperation, and counter-terrorism efforts, which continue to be pillars of the deep-rooted bilateral relationship.”

Ruwaili “appreciated Pakistan’s cooperation in multiple fields with Saudi Armed Forces and reaffirmed his commitment to furthering the strong bonds of cooperation,” it said.

The mutual defense pact was signed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Riyadh.

According to the pact, “any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both.”

Ruwaili, early this month, hosted Pakistan Chief of General Staff Lt. Gen. Aamer Raza in Riyadh for talks.