Riyadh: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has completed his official visit to Saudi Arabia and departed Riyadh en route to London. At the airport, Riyadh’s Deputy Governor, Prince Muhammad bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, warmly bid farewell to the Prime Minister.
During the visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a significant meeting with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Muhammad bin Salman. The two leaders engaged in detailed discussions on bilateral relations, regional challenges, and enhancing defense cooperation.
Expressing his gratitude on the social media platform X, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked the Crown Prince for the grand reception, stating he was deeply moved by the warmth and respect shown. He added that the welcome reflected the longstanding friendship and mutual respect between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
A key highlight of the visit was the signing of the Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement (SMDA) between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The agreement, jointly signed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman, stipulates that an attack on one country will be considered an attack on both. The pact aims to promote peace and stability in the region and strengthen collective defense.
Upon his arrival in Riyadh, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was greeted by Saudi Air Force F-15 fighter jets, a 21-gun salute, and a formal military protocol by the Saudi armed forces.
This visit symbolizes the deep-rooted, strong, and brotherly ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and is expected to further enhance cooperation between the two countries in the future.
