Zardari hails landmark Saudi-Turkiye-Pakistan pact

President Asif Ali Zardari has praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for strengthening Pakistan’s strategic ties with Saudi Arabia and Turkiye through a landmark joint defence agreement.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met President Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Friday and briefed him on the trilateral agreement reached at the Makkah Al-Mukarramah Summit on August 7. The prime minister also conveyed Independence Day greetings to the president.

Under the agreement, an armed attack against any one of the three countries will be considered an attack against all three. The arrangement is aimed at deepening defence cooperation and strengthening collective security among the allied nations.

President Zardari expressed hope that the agreement would be implemented effectively and contribute to regional peace, stability and security. He said closer cooperation among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye could also reinforce unity and security across the Muslim world.

The president also acknowledged the capabilities and sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces and law enforcement agencies in combating terrorism and confronting security threats. He reiterated the state’s determination to eliminate terrorism and ensure lasting peace across the country.

During the meeting, the economic challenges facing the people were also discussed. President Zardari stressed the need for practical steps to provide relief to citizens amid the difficult regional environment. He called for uninterrupted supplies of essential commodities and efforts to keep their prices within reach of the public.

The president further expressed optimism that Pakistan’s diplomatic initiatives for regional and international peace would enhance the country’s standing globally. He said stronger diplomatic relations and strategic partnerships could eventually have a positive impact on the national economy and improve the lives of ordinary citizens.