Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have signed an agreement to waive visa requirements for holders of diplomatic and official passports, in a move aimed at facilitating high-level travel and official exchanges between the two countries.
The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The visa exemption is expected to facilitate official visits, institutional exchanges and closer coordination between the two countries. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia maintain extensive bilateral cooperation and regularly hold high-level diplomatic engagements.
The two countries have also strengthened cooperation in defence, trade and economic sectors in recent months.
In August, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye signed a joint defence agreement aimed at strengthening collective security, enhancing defence cooperation and promoting peace and stability in the region.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia also agreed to increase Pakistani agricultural and food exports to Saudi Arabia to around $3 billion. The agreement was reached during a visit by a Saudi delegation to Pakistan.
Saudi Arabia has also introduced measures to facilitate travel for Pakistani visitors. A multiple-entry Umrah visa with one-year validity was introduced, allowing eligible pilgrims to make multiple visits while staying for up to 90 days cumulatively each year.
Saudi Arabia had earlier eased tourist visa requirements for Pakistani travellers by allowing applicants to submit a bank statement showing a minimum monthly credit of $750 or its equivalent.
During a separate meeting between the two sides, Pakistan reiterated its solidarity with Saudi Arabia and condemned recent attacks targeting the kingdom.
The two sides also discussed the joint defence agreement and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation under the pact while promoting regional peace, stability and security.
Under the agreement, an armed attack against one participating country is to be treated as an attack against all participating countries.
The discussions also covered bilateral and regional issues, with both sides stressing the importance of continued high-level engagement and close coordination.
The latest developments come amid renewed fighting in Yemen and attacks linked to the Houthi movement, including threats to maritime traffic and shipping in the Red Sea.
Pakistan has reiterated its commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s security and maintaining close defence and diplomatic coordination with the kingdom amid the regional tensions.
