ISLAMABAD (MNN); Saudi Arabia’s armed forces chief on Monday conveyed the kingdom’s resolve to further elevate its defence and strategic partnership with Pakistan.
General Fayyadh Bin Hameed Al Rowaili, Chief of General Staff of the Saudi Armed Forces, is currently visiting Pakistan and has held a series of high-level meetings with senior civil and military leadership.
According to PTV News, General Al Rowaili met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and conveyed greetings from the Saudi leadership to the government and people of Pakistan. He reiterated Saudi Arabia’s strong desire to enhance the already robust defence and strategic partnership between the two nations.
Prime Minister Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening the historic brotherly ties with Saudi Arabia across economic, defence, and security sectors. He praised the kingdom’s consistent support for Pakistan and highlighted that bilateral relations are built on shared faith, common values, and deep mutual trust.
The prime minister recalled his recent visits to Riyadh, where the two sides signed a landmark Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement. He reiterated Pakistan’s firm commitment to expanding defence cooperation through joint training, exercises, and exchange of expertise. He also stressed the shared resolve of both countries to combat terrorism and promote regional peace.
Separately, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia’s military leaders discussed enhancing longstanding strategic cooperation during a meeting between Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir and General Al Rowaili at GHQ in Rawalpindi.
Both sides reviewed matters of mutual interest, with a focus on strengthening defence collaboration, security cooperation, and counterterrorism efforts. The Saudi military chief appreciated Pakistan’s support to the Saudi armed forces and reaffirmed his commitment to further advancing bilateral military ties.
Upon arrival at GHQ, General Al Rowaili laid a wreath at the Yadgar-e-Shuhada and received a Guard of Honour.
The visiting general also met Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza. Discussions covered the evolving global and regional security environment and explored ways to deepen engagement between the armed forces of both countries. General Mirza reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to safeguarding Saudi Arabia’s territorial integrity and the protection of Harmain al-Sharifain.
In September, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, pledging that an attack on either country would be considered an attack on both. Earlier this month, CGS Lieutenant General Aamer Raza met General Al Rowaili in Riyadh to discuss expansion of defence ties and the implementation of the agreement.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia maintain a long-standing partnership rooted in defence cooperation, economic support, energy ties, and shared Islamic heritage. Riyadh remains a key source of financial assistance and oil supplies for Islamabad.
