Saudi Arabia and nuclear-armed Pakistan have signed a major defence agreement that strengthens their long-standing security partnership. The deal states that if either country faces aggression, it will be treated as an attack on both nations.

The ‘Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement’ was signed on Wednesday during Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s state visit to Riyadh. He was welcomed by Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman at the Al-Yamamah Palace, according to media reports.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s Office confirmed the deal, saying that “any aggression against either country shall be considered an act of aggression against both.”Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s Office confirmed the deal, saying that “any aggression against either country shall be considered an act of aggression against both.”

A joint statement added: “Building on a partnership extending nearly eight decades, and grounded in bonds of brotherhood, Islamic solidarity and shared strategic interests, the two sides signed the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement.”

According to reports, the agreement will boost defence cooperation and strengthen joint deterrence. It also reflects both nations’ aim to contribute to regional and global peace.

“It aims to develop defence cooperation further and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression. Crucially, the agreement stipulates that any aggression against one country shall be considered aggression against both,” Geo News reported.

High-level Pakistani delegation in Riyadh

PM Sharif arrived in Riyadh with a high-level delegation, including Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Environment Minister Musadik Malik, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi.

Saudi officials, including Deputy Governor Muhammad bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, received Sharif upon his arrival.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have shared close relations for nearly eight decades, rooted in Islamic solidarity, mutual trust, and strategic cooperation. The Foreign Office had said ahead of the visit that the trip would help both countries strengthen this unique partnership and explore new areas of collaboration.

This is Sharif’s third visit to the Gulf in a week. Before Riyadh, he visited Qatar twice, on Monday and Thursday, to express support after an Israeli strike on Hamas leaders in Doha and to attend an emergency Arab-Islamic summit.