Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening defence and strategic ties, as the visiting Saudi Armed Forces Chief of General Staff, General Fayyadh Bin Hameed Al Rowaili, conveyed the kingdom’s desire to elevate the partnership to “new heights”.
General Al Rowaili, who is on an official visit to Pakistan, met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on Monday. According to PTV News, he brought greetings from the Saudi leadership and expressed Riyadh’s firm intention to expand cooperation across defence and security sectors.
PM Shehbaz, welcoming the Saudi dignitary, praised the kingdom’s long-standing support for Pakistan and noted that relations between the two nations are rooted in shared faith, mutual trust, and common values. He recalled his recent “historic” visits to Riyadh, where both countries signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, further solidifying their cooperation in joint training, military exercises and professional exchanges.
The prime minister also highlighted the joint commitment of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to combat terrorism and work together for peace and stability in the region.
Earlier, at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, General Al Rowaili met Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir. According to ISPR, both sides focused on strengthening strategic military cooperation, enhancing defence collaboration, and intensifying joint counterterrorism efforts. The Saudi general appreciated Pakistan’s consistent support to the kingdom’s armed forces.
Upon arrival at GHQ, General Al Rowaili paid tribute at Yadgar-e-Shuhada and received a Guard of Honour.
He later held discussions with Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, where both leaders reviewed global and regional security dynamics and reaffirmed their dedication to deepening defence ties. Pakistan reiterated its unwavering support for the territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia and the protection of Harmain al-Sharifain.
The visit comes months after Islamabad and Riyadh signed the landmark defence pact stating that any attack on one country would be considered an act of aggression against both. The two nations continue to share a deep, historic relationship built on military cooperation, economic partnership, and a shared Islamic legacy.
