Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Meets Saudi Military Chief of General Staff

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held an important meeting with the Chief of General Staff of the Saudi Armed Forces, General Fayyadh bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili, in Islamabad on Monday, reinforcing the growing strategic partnership between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Welcoming the distinguished guest, the Prime Minister expressed appreciation for Riyadh’s consistent support to Pakistan in moments of economic, political and security challenges. He noted that Saudi Arabia’s solidarity has always played a vital role in strengthening bilateral trust.

The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to further expanding its historic ties with Saudi Arabia across all domains. He emphasised that the relationship is anchored in shared faith, deep-rooted cultural connections and an enduring sense of mutual confidence.

He highlighted his recent visits to Riyadh over the past two months, which he described as highly productive. During these visits, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed the landmark Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA), marking a new phase in defence cooperation.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Islamabad’s determination to build upon this framework through joint training programs, enhanced military exercises and professional exchanges between the armed forces of both countries. He stressed that cooperation in defence and security will remain a defining pillar of the bilateral partnership.

He also underscored the shared resolve of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to combat terrorism and violent extremism in all forms, noting that both nations have paid a heavy price in the struggle for peace. The Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to regional stability and to working closely with Saudi Arabia on collective security measures.

General Al-Ruwaili conveyed warm greetings from the Saudi leadership to the Prime Minister and the people of Pakistan. He reaffirmed the Kingdom’s desire to elevate the existing defence and strategic partnership to even greater heights, noting that the bilateral relationship continues to expand through mutual understanding and aligned interests.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from both sides, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi. Their presence highlighted the significance both countries attach to high-level defence consultations.

The discussion demonstrated a clear continuation of the growing momentum in Pakistan–Saudi Arabia relations, especially under the framework of the SMDA, which aims to foster deeper military coordination and long-term strategic cooperation.