Pakistan and Saudi Arabia Express Satisfaction Over Progress Under Makkah Defence Pact

Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, met Saudi Arabia’s newly appointed ambassador to Pakistan, Dr Rajeh Tami Albugamy, in Rawalpindi on Monday, with both sides expressing satisfaction over progress under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.

The meeting took place at General Headquarters, where the two officials discussed matters of mutual interest, regional security developments and ways to strengthen defence cooperation between Islamabad and Riyadh.

According to the military’s media wing, both sides welcomed progress under the Makkah defence framework and stressed the importance of expanding military collaboration, strengthening institutional links and improving strategic coordination.

Field Marshal Munir congratulated Albugamy on his appointment and expressed confidence that his diplomatic tenure would further deepen the longstanding relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The partnership is built on shared religious ties, mutual trust and common strategic interests.

Albugamy assumed his diplomatic responsibilities in Islamabad last Thursday, reaffirming Saudi Arabia’s commitment to strengthening its close relations with Pakistan.

His meeting with the military leadership follows engagements with Pakistan’s top civilian officials, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

During his meeting with the Saudi ambassador last week, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia in protecting its sovereignty, security and territorial integrity amid renewed concerns over attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also emphasised the enduring strategic partnership between the two countries, expressing a shared commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation for mutual progress and prosperity.

Defence and security cooperation have become increasingly important in relations between Islamabad and Riyadh. The two countries have signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, while Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye are also cooperating under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, which is designed to strengthen collective deterrence.

Earlier this month, representatives of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye held an emergency meeting under the trilateral framework. The discussions reportedly resulted in an understanding to facilitate the rapid deployment of military forces and capabilities to Saudi Arabia when required.

The meeting came against the backdrop of Houthi attacks and wider regional security concerns. Although the announcement did not identify a specific threat, the developments have highlighted the importance the participating countries place on coordinated defence planning.

Signed on August 7, the Makkah defence pact seeks to strengthen deterrence by establishing a framework under which an attack against one participating country is treated as an attack against all. The arrangement is intended to reinforce security cooperation and improve the ability of the signatories to respond collectively to potential threats.

Pakistan has repeatedly described its relationship with Saudi Arabia as a longstanding strategic partnership, supported by extensive diplomatic, economic and defence links. Saudi Arabia has also remained an important partner for Pakistan across a range of regional and bilateral issues.

In a televised interview on Sunday, Pakistan’s military spokesperson said the country was providing whatever support was needed to help defend Saudi Arabia against attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.

The latest meeting between Field Marshal Munir and Ambassador Albugamy signals continued engagement between the two countries’ military and diplomatic leadership as they work to advance their defence arrangements.

With regional tensions placing renewed focus on collective security, progress under the Makkah agreement could further shape cooperation among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye. The effectiveness of the arrangement will depend on how the participating countries translate their commitments into practical coordination, operational planning and responses to emerging security challenges.

Courtesy: Dawn