Saudi Armed Forces Chief Highlights Desire to Elevate Defense Partnership with Pakistan

Saudi Arabia’s Armed Forces Chief of General Staff, General Fayyadh bin Hameed Al Rowaili, on Monday expressed the kingdom’s intent to raise its defense and strategic partnership with Pakistan to “new heights” during a series of high-level meetings in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

According to state broadcaster PTV News, General Al Rowaili conveyed greetings from the Saudi leadership in his meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and reaffirmed Riyadh’s “strong desire to elevate the current excellent defence and strategic partnership” between the two countries. PM Shehbaz reciprocated the sentiment and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening what he described as “historic fraternal relations” across economic, defense and security domains.

The prime minister praised Saudi Arabia for its “unwavering support and solidarity” and highlighted his recent visits to Riyadh, where both sides signed a landmark Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement. He emphasised Pakistan’s resolve to deepen cooperation through joint training, military exercises and enhanced exchange of expertise, while also noting the shared commitment to countering terrorism and promoting regional stability.

Earlier, General Al Rowaili held talks with Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, where the two military leaders discussed expanding “longstanding and strategic” cooperation. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the discussions centred on defense collaboration, security cooperation and counterterrorism efforts—areas described as key pillars of the bilateral relationship.

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The Saudi military chief acknowledged Pakistan’s contributions across multiple fields and reaffirmed his country’s commitment to further strengthening defense ties. Upon his arrival at GHQ, he laid a floral wreath at Yadgar-e-Shuhada and was presented a Guard of Honour by a Pakistan Army contingent.

General Al Rowaili also met Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza at the Joint Staff Headquarters. Both sides reviewed the evolving regional and global security landscape and explored additional avenues to deepen military engagement. The CJCSC reiterated Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to safeguarding Saudi Arabia’s territorial integrity and ensuring the protection of Harmain al-Sharifain.

The visit comes amid renewed momentum in bilateral ties following the signing of the Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement in September, which stipulates that an attack on either nation will be considered an act of aggression against both. The two countries continue to maintain a multifaceted relationship rooted in defense cooperation, economic partnership and shared Islamic heritage.