Saudi Arabia and Pakistan formalize a mutual defense agreement, with the move coming amid mounting apprehensions among Arab Gulf states regarding America's security assurances.
In a significant development, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have formalised a mutual defense pact on Wednesday. The agreement, which aims to develop aspects of defense cooperation and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression, was signed in a manner that underscores the strong commitment of both nations.
The defense pact could potentially impact the strategic calculus in the region, as Gulf monarchies seek to stabilise ties with both Iran and Israel to resolve longstanding security concerns. The enhanced defense ties come as Gulf Arab states grow increasingly wary about the reliability of the United States as their longstanding security guarantor.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman embraced after signing the defense pact, with the Pakistani Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, present at the signing. The statement from the Pakistani prime minister's office described the agreement as a reflection of the shared commitment of both nations to enhance security and achieve peace in the region and the world.
The Saudi official confirmed that the defense agreement with Pakistan encompasses all military means. Any aggression against either Saudi Arabia or Pakistan will be considered an aggression against both countries, according to the defense pact. The official also acknowledged the need to balance relations with Pakistan's rival, India, which is also a nuclear power. The Saudi official stated that the relationship with India is robust and will continue to grow.
The regional landscape has been upended by recent events, such as Israel's attack on Qatar last week, which heightened concerns among Arab countries. Gulf state Qatar has been subjected to direct hits twice in a year, once by Iran and once by Israel. Israel's attempt to kill the political leaders of Hamas with airstrikes on Doha infuriated Arab countries.
The defense pact between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan is not a response to specific countries or specific events, but an institutionalization of longstanding and deep cooperation between the two countries. The pact is a reflection of the shared commitment of both nations to enhance security and achieve peace in the region and the world.
The pact between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan could shift the strategic calculus in a complex region, as both nations seek to strengthen their defense ties and ensure regional stability. The defense pact is a significant step towards enhancing security cooperation between the two nations and reinforcing their commitment to peace in the region.
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