Former Saudi ambassador Dr Ali Awad Al-Asiri has described the recently signed Pakistan–Saudi Arabia defence agreement as a historic strategic alliance, highlighting the growing strength of ties between the two nations. Writing in Arab News on Friday, Al-Asiri said the agreement is the result of years of continuous discussions and reflects the depth of the longstanding partnership between Riyadh and Islamabad.
He noted that the protocol extended to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his recent visit to Saudi Arabia had previously only been given to former US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to Al-Asiri, this recognition underscores Pakistan’s rising diplomatic stature on the global stage.
Al-Asiri further pointed out that Pakistan’s active participation in the UN High-Level Conference on the Two-State Solution also reflects its expanding diplomatic role. He said Saudi Arabia holds a unique and special place for Pakistanis, with relations built on decades of trust and cooperation.
Defence cooperation between the two countries began in the 1960s, with the first formal agreement signed in 1967. Pakistan also provided technical assistance to Saudi civil aviation and airlines, and in 1982, military collaboration was formalised. Over the years, more than 20,000 Pakistanis were stationed in Tabuk and other sensitive regions, strengthening bilateral defence ties.
In the 2000s, counter-terrorism became a key area of focus, further deepening cooperation. According to Al-Asiri, the latest defence agreement marks a new chapter in this historic alliance and is expected to play a vital role in regional security and stability.
