Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reiterated Pakistan’s profound gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s consistent support and generous assistance, emphasizing Riyadh’s crucial role in fostering regional peace and stability. He made these remarks during a farewell meeting with Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki at the PM House, marking the conclusion of the ambassador’s diplomatic tenure.
The prime minister congratulated Ambassador Al-Malki on the successful completion of his assignment and praised his efforts in enhancing the longstanding fraternal and strategic relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. He extended his warmest regards and best wishes for the health and prosperity of Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. Additionally, PM Shehbaz wished the outgoing ambassador continued success in his future endeavors.
In response, Ambassador Al-Malki expressed sincere appreciation for the hospitality, cooperation, and warmth he received from the Pakistani government throughout his tenure. He described his experience in Pakistan as both memorable and rewarding, reaffirming his dedication to further strengthening the enduring ties between the two nations.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia share deep-rooted fraternal and strategic bonds, with extensive collaboration across diplomatic, defense, and economic sectors, positioning Riyadh as a vital partner for Islamabad. This relationship has gained heightened strategic importance amid escalating regional security challenges, with both countries intensifying defense cooperation.
In a significant development last September, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, pledging to consider any aggression against one as an attack on both. This pact builds upon decades of military collaboration, including joint training, technical support, and defense exchanges.
Further expanding this partnership, on August 7, 2026, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye entered into the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement. This trilateral pact stipulates that an armed assault on any member state will be treated as an attack on all three. The countries are also working towards enhanced coordination on maritime security and safeguarding regional shipping and energy routes amid rising tensions.
Beyond defense, Saudi Arabia remains a critical source of financial support for Pakistan during times of economic strain. In April 2026, Riyadh extended Pakistan an additional $3 billion deposit and prolonged its existing $5 billion deposit facility through 2028. The fresh deposit was disbursed in two installments, with $2 billion arriving on April 15 and the remaining $1 billion on April 20.
This financial assistance bolstered Pakistan’s external financing position as Islamabad continued efforts to strengthen its reserves under the $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) program. Saudi Arabia has consistently supported Pakistan during economic challenges through deposits and deferred-payment oil arrangements, underscoring the depth of their bilateral cooperation.
