Saudi Arabia-Pakistan Joint Strategic Defense Agreement (2025)

Saudi Arabia–Pakistan Strategic Defense Agreement is a bilateral defense pact signed in Riyadh on 17 September 2025. The agreement stipulates that any attack against one party shall be considered an attack against both countries. It also outlines the objectives of enhancing the security of both nations, developing defense cooperation, and strengthening mutual deterrence.

Signing Process

Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif undertook an official visit to Saudi Arabia on 17 September 2025 at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz.

Official talks were held at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman welcomed Prime Minister Sharif at the palace, and formal discussions took place with delegations from both countries. The talks reviewed the historical and strategic ties between the two nations and addressed various areas of collaboration and regional developments.

Following the talks, the parties signed the agreement on the same day. At the signing ceremony, in addition to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, delegations from both countries were present. It was also noted that Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir attended the signing ceremony.

After the ceremony, the two leaders exchanged expressions of gratitude and good wishes, extending hopes for prosperity and progress for the peoples of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.

Content of the Agreement

The Strategic Defense Agreement was signed to establish comprehensive defense cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. The agreement aims to enhance the security of both parties, strengthen defense collaboration, and reinforce mutual deterrence.

The most significant provision of the agreement is that any attack against one party shall be deemed an attack against both countries. This establishes an automatic security guarantee whereby the other party will automatically come to the defense of the attacked nation.

Official statements emphasized that the agreement is not directed against any specific threat or country but rather represents the institutionalization of years of dialogue and cooperation between the two nations.

The agreement was described as a “comprehensive defense pact” encompassing all military capabilities and assets. It includes cooperation in military training, joint exercises, operational coordination, and strategic defense planning. Furthermore, the agreement highlights the goal of contributing to regional and global security and peace.

Historical Background

Relations between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have been shaped by Islamic solidarity, fraternal bonds, and shared strategic interests. Since 1967, Pakistan has provided military training to Saudi Armed Forces personnel. By 2025, more than 8,200 Saudi military personnel had been trained by Pakistan. Additionally, the two countries have conducted joint military exercises during various periods.

Official Statements and Joint Declarations

Following the signing of the agreement, both parties issued official statements and joint declarations. These emphasized that the agreement is the culmination of years of dialogue and has institutionalized the long-standing cooperation between the two nations.

Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif expressed gratitude for the hospitality and warmth extended to him during his official visit to Saudi Arabia. He also conveyed wishes for the health, prosperity, and progress of King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reciprocated with good wishes for the Pakistani Prime Minister. The statements included expressions of hope for the welfare and advancement of the Pakistani people.

The published joint declarations underscored that the agreement will enhance the security of both countries, strengthen defense cooperation, and bolster mutual deterrence. It was also stated that this collaboration will contribute not only to bilateral relations but also to regional and global security and peace.