MT Desk: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Wednesday signed a landmark Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA), a historic milestone in strengthening bilateral defence ties between the two brotherly nations, said a statement issued by Prime Minister’s Office. The pact, signed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman, underscores the ‘depth of strategic partnership’ and the growing scope of defence cooperation.

Under the terms of the SMDA, any external attack on either country will be considered an attack on both, leading to joint defence. Officials said the deal aims to enhance preparedness, integration and cooperation between the armed forces of both nations in the face of current and emerging threats. The agreement focuses on joint military training, multilateral exercises and defence industry collaboration. Officials said the pact would not only boost bilateral security but also advance shared goals of promoting peace and strengthening regional stability.

Earlier, upon arrival at the royal palace, Qasr Al-Yamamah, in Riyadh, Shehbaz Sharif was welcomed with full royal protocol, including a mounted guard of honour. At the royal court, Mohammed bin Salman personally received Shehbaz Sharif, and the Saudi armed forces also presented a guard of honour. Shehbaz Sharif received a warm welcome as Saudi F-15 fighter jets escorted his plane upon entering the kingdom’s airspace.

Speaking onboard his special flight, Shehbaz expressed gratitude to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and King Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, for what he called a ‘gracious aerial welcome’ extended by the Royal Saudi Air Force.

At King Khalid International Airport, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his delegation were received by Riyadh’s Deputy Governor Prince Muhammad bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmad Farooq, and senior diplomatic officials.

Pakistani flags were hoisted across the city to mark the visit. Shehbaz was greeted with a 21-gun salute, while a contingent of the Saudi armed forces presented a guard of honour. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Climate Change Minister Musadik Malik, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi are accompanying the prime minister.

In view of signing agreement, authorities in Islamabad ordered to illuminate the government buildings and hoist Pakistan and Saudi Arabia flags.