ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed Pakistan’s deep appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s steadfast support, generous assistance and important role in promoting regional peace and stability.
The prime minister made the remarks during a farewell meeting with Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki at the Prime Minister’s House following the completion of the ambassador’s diplomatic assignment.
PM Shehbaz congratulated Al-Malki on successfully completing his tenure and praised his contribution to strengthening the longstanding Pakistan Saudi Arabia ties. He also conveyed his warmest regards and best wishes for the health and well-being of Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.
The prime minister wished the outgoing ambassador continued success in his future responsibilities. In response, Al-Malki expressed gratitude to the prime minister and the Pakistani government for the warmth, cooperation and hospitality extended to him throughout his diplomatic tenure.
Pakistan Saudi Arabia ties remain strategically important
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia maintain longstanding fraternal and strategic relations, with cooperation covering diplomacy, defence, trade and economic affairs. Riyadh remains an important partner for Islamabad, particularly as regional security challenges continue to evolve.
The Pakistan Saudi Arabia ties have gained further strategic importance through expanding defence cooperation. In September last year, the two countries signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, under which aggression against either country would be treated as aggression against both.
The agreement built on decades of military cooperation, including defence training, technical assistance and exchanges between the armed forces of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
The strategic partnership expanded further on August 7, 2026, when Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.
Under the agreement, an armed attack against any one of the three countries is considered an attack against all. The three countries are also working toward closer coordination on maritime security and the protection of regional shipping and energy routes amid heightened tensions in the region.
The growing defence partnership reflects the importance both sides place on regional security and closer strategic coordination.
Saudi Arabia’s importance to Pakistan extends beyond defence and diplomacy. Riyadh has repeatedly provided financial assistance to Pakistan during periods of economic pressure, helping Islamabad strengthen its external financing position.
In April 2026, Saudi Arabia provided Pakistan with an additional $3 billion deposit and extended its existing $5 billion deposit facility through 2028.
Pakistan received the new $3bn deposit in two instalments, with $2bn arriving on April 15 and the remaining $1bn on April 20.
The financial assistance came as Pakistan continued efforts to strengthen its foreign exchange reserves and meet its commitments under the $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme.
Saudi Arabia has also supported Pakistan through deposits and deferred-payment oil facilities during previous periods of economic difficulty.
The farewell meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Ambassador Al-Malki highlighted the depth of relations between Islamabad and Riyadh. Both countries continue to maintain close cooperation across multiple sectors, while defence, economic assistance and regional diplomacy remain key pillars of the bilateral relationship.
Pakistan’s leadership has repeatedly described Saudi Arabia as a trusted and longstanding partner, while Riyadh has continued to support Islamabad during periods of economic and regional uncertainty.
