PM hails Saudi Arabia’s steadfast support to Pakistan, role in regional peace

PM hails Saudi Arabia's steadfast backing to Pakistan, role in regional peace.

Key points

• When Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, the partnership gained another dimension on August 7, 2026.
• In April 2026, Saudi Arabia provided Pakistan an extra $3 billion deposit and extended its existing $5 billion deposit facility through 2028.
• Pakistan received the fresh deposit in two tranches, with $2 billion arriving on April 15 and the remaining $1 billion on April 20.
• In September last year, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, committing both sides to treat aggression against either country as aggression against both.
• PM Shehbaz conveyed his warmest regards and best wishes for the health and well-being of Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince and PM Mohammed bin Salman.

Outgoing Saudi envoy expresses gratitude for Pakistan's warmth, cooperation and hospitality during tenure. Published August 27, 2026. Shehbaz praises Al-Malki's role in strengthening bilateral ties. PM conveys best wishes to Saudi king, crown prince. Outgoing envoy vows to strengthen Pakistan-Saudi ties.

As well as Riyadh's pivotal role in promoting regional peace and stability, prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed Pakistan's deep appreciation for Saudi Arabia's steadfast backing and generous assistance.

In practice, the prime minister was speaking during a farewell call by Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Remarked Al-Malki at the PM House after the completion of his diplomatic assignment.

He congratulated Al-Malki on the successful completion of his tenure and commended his contribution to further strengthening Pakistan-Saudi Arabia's longstanding fraternal and strategic ties.

For context, the prime minister additionally wished the outgoing ambassador continued success in his future endeavours.

Al-Malki expressed his gratitude to the prime minister and the Pakistani administration for the warmth, cooperation and hospitality extended to him throughout his tenure.

He described his time in Pakistan as a memorable and rewarding experience and reaffirmed his commitment to further strengthening the longstanding ties between the two countries.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy longstanding fraternal and strategic ties, with close cooperation spanning diplomacy, defence and economic affairs, making Riyadh a key partner for Islamabad.

For context, the relationship has gained further strategic significance as both countries deepen defence cooperation against the backdrop of growing regional security worries.

Notably, the pact built on decades of military cooperation, including training, technical assistance and defence exchanges between the two countries.

Under the pact, an armed attack against any one of the three countries is regarded as an attack against all.

In practice, the three countries are additionally seeking closer coordination on maritime security and protection of regional shipping and energy routes against the backdrop of heightened regional tensions.

Saudi Arabia's importance to Pakistan extends beyond defence, with Riyadh remaining a key source of financial assistance during periods of economic pressure.

Meanwhile, the assistance strengthened Pakistan's external financing position as Islamabad continued efforts to bolster its reserves under its $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme.

Saudi Arabia has repeatedly backed Pakistan during economic difficulties through deposits and deferred-payment oil facilities. Create us preferred on Google.

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Taken together, the developments around PM hails Saudi Arabias steadfast support to Pakistan, role in regional peace point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.