Pakistan, Saudi Arabia reaffirm defense ties in high-level military talks

• Saudi army top commander discusses defense cooperation, regional security, intelligence coordination with Pakistan army chief
• Bahrain National Guard Commander General Al Khalifa also calls on Field Marshal Asim Munir to discuss matters of mutual interest

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia reaffirmed their commitment to deepening defense cooperation during a meeting in Rawalpindi on Wednesday where both sides discussed regional security and military ties, the Pakistan army’s media wing said.

The statement came after a meeting between Lt. Gen. Fahad bin Saud Al-Johani, Commander of the Royal Saudi Land Forces, and Pakistan’s army chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi.

Al-Johani’s visit to Pakistan comes as both countries work to deepen a longstanding defense relationship built on joint exercises, training programs, counterterrorism coordination and military advisory support provided by Pakistan in the Kingdom. Defense ties form one of the most durable pillars of the broader Pakistan–Saudi partnership. Earlier this year, the two nations signed a landmark mutual defense pact which includes a commitment that an attack on one country would be treated as an attack on the other.

“During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, regional security, and avenues for enhanced bilateral defense cooperation were discussed,” the military’s media wing said after the meeting.

“Both sides reiterated their commitment to further strengthening the longstanding and brotherly relations between the Armed Forces of Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

According to the statement, the army chief “expressed satisfaction on robust defense collaboration between the two countries” and emphasized the importance of continued cooperation in training, capacity building and intelligence sharing.

The statement said the Saudi commander “acknowledged the professionalism of Pakistan Army and appreciated the positive role played by Pakistan in regional peace and stability.”

Al-Johani was also presented with a guard of honor upon arrival at the Pakistan army’s headquarters.

Separately, Bahrain National Guard Commander General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa also called on the Pakistan army chief at the GHQ.

“Both sides reaffirmed their resolve to further enhance existing military-to-military ties between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Bahrain,” the Pakistani army said.

“The visiting dignitary appreciated the professionalism of Pakistan Army and acknowledged its role in regional peace and stability,” the statement added.

“COAS [Chief of the Army Staff] highlighted long-standing brotherly relations between the two nations and expressed Pakistan’s continued support for Bahrain in all domains.”

Pakistan and Bahrain established diplomatic ties in 1971 and maintain close economic, labor and defense cooperation. Bahrain hosts more than 120,000 Pakistanis, making it an important source of remittances for Islamabad.