Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday highlighted the significance of the recently signed Makkah Joint Defence Agreement involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye, stating that it has strengthened the bond among the three nations and conveyed a powerful message of peace and unity throughout the region.
During a meeting with Saudi Minister for Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad, Shehbaz warmly welcomed the Saudi minister and reaffirmed the longstanding fraternal relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. He also extended his sincere regards to Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Shehbaz emphasized that the trilateral defence pact, signed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and himself at the Al-Safa Palace in Makkah, has brought the three countries closer and serves as a testament to their commitment to regional peace and unity. The agreement stipulates that an attack on any member state will be considered an attack on all three, underscoring their dedication to collective security and stability in the region and beyond.
Notably, Pakistan has indicated that the pact remains open to other regional countries willing to adhere to its core principles. Meanwhile, the prime minister underscored the importance of enhancing economic and agricultural cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, urging both nations to pursue a stronger, mutually advantageous trade and investment relationship.
Expressing satisfaction with the ongoing constructive dialogue, Shehbaz pointed out the progress in Pakistan’s agricultural exports to Saudi Arabia. The discussions also covered strategies to boost agricultural productivity in Pakistan through the adoption of advanced technology, research and development, and improved water resource management.
In a significant development, Shehbaz announced that a delegation of Pakistani agricultural experts would soon travel to Riyadh to further these discussions and unlock the full potential of the partnership.
The Saudi minister expressed gratitude for the hospitality extended to his delegation and reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to deepening collaboration with Pakistan in the fields of agriculture, water management, and food security.
The meeting included Federal Ministers Rana Tanveer Hussain, Mohammad Aurangzeb, Atta Tarar, Jam Kamal Khan, Musadik Malik, and Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, along with Dr. Syed Tauqir Shah, Bilal Azhar Kiyani, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi, and other senior government officials.
