JEDDAH: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reaffirmed the long-standing Pakistan–Saudi partnership during a meeting in Jeddah, agreeing to work closely for regional peace and stability amid rising tensions in the Middle East.
During the high-level interaction, the two leaders discussed the evolving security situation in the region and emphasized continued coordination between Islamabad and Riyadh to promote stability and cooperation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz conveyed Pakistan’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia during challenging regional conditions and reiterated Islamabad’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with the Kingdom.
Senior Pakistani officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, attended the meeting.
Focus on regional security cooperation
According to an official statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, both sides held detailed discussions on recent regional developments and agreed to maintain close coordination on efforts aimed at ensuring peace and stability in the Middle East.
The prime minister also conveyed his respects to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s longstanding support for Pakistan.
Officials said the meeting reflected the two countries’ commitment to continued strategic cooperation during a period of heightened geopolitical tensions in the region.
Pakistan steps up regional diplomacy
Pakistan has intensified diplomatic engagement with regional and Gulf countries following the recent escalation in the Middle East. Officials say Islamabad has been in contact with several regional partners as part of efforts aimed at easing tensions.
The meeting in Jeddah was part of Prime Minister Shehbaz’s brief visit to Saudi Arabia, after which he returned to Pakistan.
Defence cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia
Security cooperation between the two countries has also expanded in recent months. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) in September last year, under which an attack on either country is treated as an act of aggression against both.
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Earlier, Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman met Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, where both sides discussed regional security developments and defence cooperation.
Recent tensions in the Middle East have also affected global energy markets, with reports of drone attacks targeting Saudi oil facilities and disruptions in regional shipping routes.
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