Saudi Arabia and Pakistan finalize a mutual defense agreement amidst concerns among Gulf Arab states regarding the reliability of American security assurances
In a significant move, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have formalised a mutual defense pact, aiming to enhance the security of both countries and promote peace in the region and beyond. The agreement, signed by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, marks a strengthening of a decades-long security partnership between the two nations.
The pact, not a response to specific countries or events, according to a senior Saudi official, aims to develop aspects of defense cooperation between the two countries. It states that any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both, underscoring the commitment of both nations to each other's social security.
The defense pact comes at a time when Gulf states are growing increasingly wary about the reliability of the United States as their longstanding security guarantor. This concern has been heightened by recent events, such as Israel's attack on Qatar last week, which infuriated Arab countries and has raised concerns about regional stability.
Israel's attempt to kill the political leaders of Hamas with airstrikes on Doha has added to the unease in the Gulf. Qatar, a small Gulf state, has been subjected to direct hits twice in a year, once by Iran and once by Israel.
Pakistan's army chief, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, was present at the signing of the defense pact. The Field Marshal, considered the most powerful man in Pakistan, acknowledged the need to balance relations with India, a nuclear power.
India is aware of the defense pact between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. The relationship between Saudi Arabia and India is more robust than ever, with the two nations working closely on various fronts.
The defense pact could shift the strategic calculus in a complex region, signalling a potential realignment of alliances. As the world watches, the pact between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan promises to be a significant development in regional and international politics.
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