Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Saudi Arabia’s newly appointed ambassador to Pakistan, Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki, have expressed satisfaction over progress under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, emphasising the need to deepen bilateral defence cooperation and strategic coordination.
According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Monday, the Saudi ambassador met Field Marshal Munir at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. The two discussed matters of mutual interest and the evolving regional security situation.
Both officials welcomed the progress achieved under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement and highlighted the importance of expanding defence collaboration, strengthening institutional ties and improving strategic coordination, the military’s media wing said.
Field Marshal Munir congratulated the ambassador on his appointment and expressed confidence that his tenure would further reinforce the longstanding relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, which is based on shared religious values, mutual trust and a strategic partnership.
Albugamy assumed his diplomatic responsibilities in Islamabad last Thursday, pledging to strengthen the close and longstanding ties between the two countries.
Last week, he also met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
During his meeting with the Saudi envoy, Prime Minister Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia in protecting its sovereignty, security and territorial integrity amid a recent increase in attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also emphasised the enduring fraternal and strategic partnership between Islamabad and Riyadh, reaffirming both countries’ commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation for shared development and prosperity.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are parties to two defence arrangements aimed at strengthening collective security: the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement between the two countries and the Makkah Joint Defence Alliance, which also includes Türkiye.
Earlier this month, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye held an emergency meeting under the Makkah framework and agreed to facilitate the rapid deployment of military personnel and capabilities to Saudi Arabia.
Although the official announcement did not identify a specific threat prompting the decision, the development comes amid reports of Houthi attacks targeting the kingdom.
Signed on August 7, the Makkah defence pact seeks to strengthen collective deterrence by establishing a framework under which an attack against one member can be treated as an attack against all participating states.
In an interview broadcast on Sunday, the military’s spokesperson said Pakistan was providing Saudi Arabia with whatever support was required to defend the kingdom against attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
The latest meeting between Field Marshal Munir and the Saudi ambassador underscores the continued emphasis both countries place on military coordination, regional stability and their longstanding strategic partnership.
