Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman held a meeting in which both sides discussed Iranian attacks on the kingdom within the framework of the joint strategic defence agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
In a statement posted on X early Saturday, Khalid bin Salman said the meeting focused on ways to stop the attacks, which he said do not serve the security and stability of the region.
The meeting follows an escalation of tensions in the Middle East after the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28, with Tehran retaliating by targeting US bases across the Gulf region, including Saudi Arabia, with missiles and drones.
“I met with His Excellency the Chief of Defence Forces, Chief of the Pakistani Army, Field Marshal Asim Munir,” the Saudi defence czar wrote on his X post.
He added that there is hope that the Iranian side will prioritise wisdom and reason and refrain from “wrong calculations”.
“We discussed the Iranian attacks on the kingdom within the framework of the joint strategic defence agreement between our two brotherly countries, and ways to stop these attacks, which do not serve the security and stability of the region, hoping that the Iranian side will prioritise wisdom and reason and refrain from wrong calculations.”
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed the landmark Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) in September last year, which treats an attack on either nation as an act of aggression against both.
Separately, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held talks on Saturday with counterparts from the United Arab Emirates and Malaysia on regional security, stability and peace as the conflict in the Middle East grinds on.
Tensions in the Middle East surged last week after US and Israeli air strikes killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with several senior officials, sparking retaliatory attacks from Tehran and broadening the regional conflict. .
In a post on X, the Foreign Office said Dar spoke with UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
“The two leaders exchanged views on the evolving regional situation and underscored the importance of peace and stability,” the statement said.
It added that Dar expressed concern over recent attacks in the region, including those targeting the UAE, and conveyed Pakistan’s solidarity with the UAE and its people.
In a separate call, Dar spoke with Malaysian FM Dato’ Seri Mohamad Haji Hasan.
“The two leaders exchanged views on regional situation and expressed hope for peace and stability in the region,” the FO said, adding that they also agreed to remain in close contact as developments continue to unfold.
FM Dar also spoke with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi.
“They exchanged views on the regional situation. SG Al Budaiwi appreciated Pakistan’s strong partnership and solidarity with the GCC. Both sides underscored the importance of de-escalation and emphasised dialogue and cooperation for peace and stability in the region.”
Dar further spoke with his Iranian counterpart on Saturday. The two had also had a talk a day ago on the evolving situation.