Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, on the invitation of Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, arrived in Riyadh on an official visit that marked a new milestone in the decades-long relationship between the two brotherly nations. The visit was defined by extraordinary royal protocol, warm hospitality, and above all, the signing of the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA), which is a landmark accord that elevates Pakistan-Saudi ties to a new level of strategic partnership.
This visit of the Prime Minister was not an ordinary one, not because of the nature of the pact signed, but also because of the welcome he was given once his plane entered Saudi Arabia’s airspace. They were dramatically escorted by Saudi Air Force F-15 fighter jets, symbolising the Kingdom’s deep respect and unwavering solidarity with Pakistan. The fighter jets flanked the aircraft in a protective formation, marking one of the grandest receptions extended to any foreign leader in recent years.
The SMDA is a landmark milestone, strengthening this historic bond and positioning the two countries as united allies in the face of global and regional challenges.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, visibly moved by the gesture, went to the cockpit of his aircraft and personally conveyed his gratitude to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman over the radio. Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif later remarked that this gesture represented not just protocol, but the Kingdom’s brotherly love and strategic trust in Pakistan.
On arrival at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, the Prime Minister was welcomed by Riyadh’s Deputy Governor, Prince Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman bin Abdul Aziz, Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmad Farooq, and senior Saudi officials.
The Prime Minister was honoured with a 21-gun salute, and Saudi troops presented a guard of honour. The whole city was decorated with Pakistani flags, which remind us all about the strong ties these two Muslim nations have had for years.
Later, the Prime Minister proceeded to the Al-Yamamah Palace, where Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman personally received him with full royal honours. The ceremonial welcome included horse-mounted guards and a royal military parade, underscoring the historic nature of the visit.
At the palace, official talks were held in the presence of high-level delegations from both sides. The Pakistani delegation included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister for Climate Change Dr Musadik Malik, and Special Assistant Syed Tariq Fatemi.
This visit indeed marks a significant and historic moment as both nations officially sign the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, which iterates that we believe in sovereignty, mutual territorial integrity and regional peace at all costs.
According to the joint communiqué:
n Any aggression against one country will be considered aggression against both nations.
n The agreement strengthens cooperation in joint defence, intelligence-sharing, military training, and technology exchange.
n It highlights a shared commitment to regional and global peace.
With the signing of this agreement, it is evident that both nations stand tall with each other under all circumstances. Although Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have strong-rooted ties for decades, they have always supported each other in difficult times.
The SMDA is a landmark milestone, strengthening this historic bond and positioning the two countries as united allies in the face of global and regional challenges. This is also a message to the outside world that strengthening ties in the region would eventually help all nations in any kind of crisis.
Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir played a pivotal role in shaping the agreement, with his leadership and military diplomacy ensuring alignment between both sides. His presence during this meeting ensured that the Pakistan Army has always been aligned in parallel to such strategies, and ties between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Pakistan’s armed forces have always shown unity with Saudi armed forces, and this agreement is yet again a message to recall the bond these two nations hold.
The agreement has far-reaching implications for both South Asia and the Middle East. In an era of shifting global alliances, the Pakistan-Saudi defence pact sends a clear message: the two nations will not stand alone in the face of aggression.
It also ensures stability in the Muslim region as both nations are fully qualified to go through tough times and can take any necessary steps to maintain peace.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif hailed the agreement as a diplomatic triumph, emphasising that the recognition and respect shown by the Kingdom was a result of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership, Pakistan’s strong-armed forces, and the enduring bond of Islamic brotherhood.
The signing of the SMDA is not only a defence partnership but also a reflection of Pakistan’s diplomatic resurgence and its ability to foster alliances that safeguard both national and regional interests.
While defence cooperation was one of the highlighted achievements of this visit, it is also vital to know that both nations emphasised strengthening economic and cultural ties. The Saudi government has made significant contributions in multiple investments across the country, especially in the transportation and energy sectors. This agreement is indeed a step towards a successful and prosperous venture in the coming years, as both countries’ ties are not transactional but rooted in deep trust and shared destiny.
The writer is member (Punjab Assembly). She is a close aide of Maryam Nawaz and tweets at @hinaparvezbutt