Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he was “deeply touched” by the warm and elaborate welcome he received in Riyadh this week, where he met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and oversaw the signing of a landmark defence pact between Pakistan and the Kingdom.
As his aircraft entered Saudi airspace, Royal Saudi Air Force jets escorted him, a gesture usually reserved for the highest-level dignitaries. Upon arrival, a formal guard of honour was presented by the Saudi Armed Forces — a reception Shehbaz described as “heart-warming and unforgettable.”
During their talks, the prime minister and the crown prince discussed regional security challenges and new ways to deepen bilateral ties. According to officials, the two leaders explored opportunities to expand cooperation in trade, investment, and business — areas Pakistan is eager to strengthen amid its ongoing economic reforms.
One of the most notable outcomes of the visit was the signing of the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA). Under the pact, aggression against either Pakistan or Saudi Arabia would be considered aggression against both — a move seen as a significant boost to defence cooperation. Diplomats called it a “historic step” in solidifying security ties between the two longtime allies.
Shehbaz also praised Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s leadership, saying the crown prince’s vision was reshaping the Muslim world and creating opportunities for broader cooperation. He stressed that relations between the two countries were built on “brotherhood, mutual respect, and decades of friendship.”
After concluding his visit, the prime minister departed Riyadh for London, leaving behind what many observers view as a stronger diplomatic and security partnership with Saudi Arabia.
