Pakistan on Wednesday expressed strong approval of Kuwait’s recent ratification of the defence cooperation agreement signed between the two nations in June 2023. The Foreign Office Spokesperson, Tahir Andrabi, highlighted that this agreement represents a significant advancement in the enduring defence relationship shared by the two countries since the early 1980s.
Andrabi emphasized that the pact reflects a mutual commitment to deepen bilateral defence collaboration and elevate their security partnership. This ratification comes after several high-level meetings between Kuwaiti and Pakistani civil and military officials in recent months, aimed at broadening defence coordination.
The agreement establishes a comprehensive institutional framework to expand cooperation in areas such as military training and education, joint exercises, exchange of expertise, and other mutually agreed domains. It is designed to strengthen institutional ties between the armed forces of both countries and solidify their longstanding defence relations.
“Pakistan and Kuwait will continue to work closely to implement the agreement as outlined, thereby enhancing bilateral defence collaboration and reinforcing their enduring partnership based on mutual trust, shared interests, and close institutional cooperation,” Andrabi noted. He further added that this partnership contributes positively to regional peace, security, and stability.
Signed on June 11, 2023, the agreement also covers cooperation in military manufacturing, electronic communications systems, scientific research, military media, and cultural and sports activities. A joint military committee will oversee its implementation, coordinating joint exercises, official visits, and other cooperative programs. The pact is valid for five years and will automatically renew unless either party opts to terminate it.
Both countries are committed to safeguarding confidential military information and resolving any disputes arising from the agreement through diplomatic means.
This announcement followed Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah’s separate meetings with Pakistan’s top civil and military leadership. Discussions focused on enhancing defence and economic partnerships. Earlier on the same day, the Kuwaiti Foreign Minister met with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
During these meetings, the two sides deliberated on matters of mutual interest including economic cooperation, defence collaboration, trade, and regional security. Both agreed to institutionalize bilateral cooperation further through strengthened institutional links and regular high-level exchanges. The Kuwaiti Foreign Minister expressed gratitude for the warm reception and hospitality extended to him and his delegation.
In recent years, Pakistan and Gulf states have recognized the benefits of forging new regional defence agreements. Pakistan’s substantial military capabilities and indigenous fighter jet production position it as a viable alternative or complement to US security guarantees for Gulf countries, especially amid growing skepticism about the reliability of the US as an ally.
Notably, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a mutual defence pact in September 2025, pledging to treat any aggression against either nation as an attack on both. This development gains further significance following Iran’s retaliatory strikes on US military bases in Gulf states after the US-Israeli attack, which has driven Gulf nations to seek alternative security arrangements.
