Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Riyadh on an official visit at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, where he was given a historic welcome by Saudi F-15 fighter jets and a full state ceremony. The visit marked the signing of a landmark defense pact between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, further strengthening the decades-old strategic partnership between the two brotherly nations.
Upon his arrival at King Khalid Airport, the Prime Minister was warmly received by Deputy Governor of Riyadh Prince Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman bin Abdul Aziz, Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Maliki, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmed Farooq, and other senior officials. The city of Riyadh was decorated with Pakistan’s green crescent flags, and a 21-gun salute was presented in his honor.
At Al-Yamamah Palace, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was welcomed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman with full royal protocol, including a mounted horse guard and a guard of honor. Senior members of the Pakistani delegation, including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir, Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, and Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, also attended the high-level meeting.
Both leaders signed the Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement (SMDA), a historic accord that ensures joint defense and mutual cooperation against any act of aggression. The agreement declares that an attack on one nation will be considered an attack on both. Pakistan also pledged to stand firmly with Saudi Arabia in the protection of the Two Holy Mosques, Masjid al-Haram and Masjid an-Nabwi.
The agreement strengthens defense preparedness, joint military capabilities, and regional security while also opening doors for economic and diplomatic cooperation. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude for the warm reception and emphasized Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to Saudi Arabia. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman extended best wishes for Pakistan’s prosperity and reaffirmed the deep brotherly ties between the two countries.
