موقع وجه أفريقيا موقع وجه أفريقيا هو موقع مهتم بمتابعة التطورات في القارة الأفريقية
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Sahar Ragab
In a
landmark move to strengthen their strategic partnership, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Pakistan’s Prime Minister, His Excellency Mr. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, signed the “Strategic Joint Defense Agreement” during an official visit to Riyadh. This agreement marks a significant leap in defense cooperation between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, committing both nations to mutual deterrence against any external threat, with an attack on one considered an attack on both.
Prime Minister Sharif arrived at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh this morning, where he was warmly received with a rare ceremonial escort by Royal Saudi Air Force F-15 fighter jets, a gesture reserved for visits of utmost significance. He was greeted by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Riyadh, before heading to Al-Yamamah Palace for closed-door talks attended by high-level delegations from both countries.
Strengthening Historic and Defense Ties
The session began with Prime Minister Sharif conveying his warm regards and best wishes to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The leaders reviewed the deep-rooted, eight-decade-long relationship between the two nations, grounded in Islamic brotherhood and shared solidarity. Discussions emphasized their converging visions for promoting regional and global security. According to a joint statement issued by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the agreement aims to advance defense cooperation, including joint military exercises and expertise exchange, to address the region’s growing security challenges.
The pact comes amid heightened regional tensions, particularly following Israel’s airstrikes on Qatar. Both sides underscored the importance of Arab and Islamic unity. Diplomatic sources revealed that the talks also covered economic cooperation, including boosting Saudi investments in Pakistan and collaboration in energy and trade. Notably, this visit marks Sharif’s third trip to the Gulf in a single week, following two visits to Doha in solidarity with Qatar.
Warm Reception and Mutual Goodwill
Prime Minister Sharif expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the “warm hospitality and generous reception,” describing the aerial escort as “a symbol of enduring brotherhood.” He extended his best wishes for continued health to King Salman and Prince Mohammed, and prosperity to the Saudi people. In response, Prince Mohammed conveyed his best wishes for the health of Prime Minister Sharif and further progress for the Pakistani people.
This visit is part of a broader diplomatic tour by Sharif, which includes upcoming stops in the United Kingdom and the United States, aimed at bolstering Pakistan’s international ties amid economic and security challenges. The signing of this unprecedented defense agreement is expected to reshape the region’s alliance dynamics, strengthening joint deterrence against potential threats.
In Riyadh, where leaders of two major Islamic nations met today, this agreement signals the dawn of a new era of strategic cooperation. Could this alliance become a model for Islamic unity in the face of global challenges? The answer lies in the steps ahead.
