Attack On One Will Be Seen As Attack On Both: Saudi Arabia, Pakistan Ink Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement Amid Regional Tensions

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan on Wednesday (17 September) entered into a strategic defence pact under which any aggression on one nation will be treated as aggression against both, The Hindu reported, citing media reports.

The “Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement” was inked during Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s state visit to Riyadh, where Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman welcomed him at Al-Yamamah Palace, Geo News reported.

According to the Dawn newspaper, a statement from Pakistan PM’s office announced the signing of the pact, which stated that any aggression against either country shall be considered an act of aggression against both.

“Building on a partnership extending nearly eight decades and grounded in bonds of brotherhood, Islamic solidarity and shared strategic interests, the two sides signed the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement,” a joint statement released after the signing ceremony said.

The statement added that the pact aims to strengthen bilateral security cooperation and contribute towards peace at both regional and global levels.

“It aims to develop defence cooperation further and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression. Crucially, the agreement stipulates that any aggression against one country shall be considered aggression against both,” Geo News reported.

This is Sharif's third visit to the Gulf region within a week, after two trips to Qatar on 11 and 15 September to show solidarity with Doha following Israel’s strike on Hamas leadership and to join an emergency Arab-Islamic summit.

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