CDF Munir, Saudi envoy pledge stronger defence ties

Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir and newly appointed Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Rajeh Tami Albugamy have expressed satisfaction over progress under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement. Both sides also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening defence cooperation and strategic coordination.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Saudi ambassador met Field Marshal Munir at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi on Monday. The meeting focused on matters of mutual interest and regional security developments.

The two officials reviewed progress under the Makkah defence framework and stressed the importance of expanding military cooperation, strengthening institutional ties and improving strategic coordination between the two countries.

Field Marshal Munir congratulated Albugamy on assuming his diplomatic responsibilities in Islamabad. He expressed confidence that the ambassador’s tenure would further strengthen the longstanding relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, built on shared faith, mutual trust and strategic partnership.

Albugamy began his diplomatic assignment last week. During his initial engagements, 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 heightened tensions following Houthi attacks on the kingdom.

Dar also emphasised the longstanding strategic and fraternal relationship between Islamabad and Riyadh. He reiterated both countries’ commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation for mutual progress and prosperity.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have signed the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, while the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement also involves Turkiye. Both arrangements aim to strengthen collective deterrence and defence coordination among the participating countries.

Earlier this month, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye held an emergency meeting under the Makkah alliance. The participating countries agreed to expedite the deployment of military forces and capabilities to Saudi Arabia, amid concerns over attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.

Signed on August 7, the Makkah defence pact aims to strengthen collective security. Under its framework, an attack against one member is treated as an attack against all participating states.

In a televised interview on Sunday, Pakistan’s military spokesperson said Islamabad was prepared to provide Saudi Arabia with the support required to defend itself against Houthi attacks.