Rawalpindi, November 24,2025: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding strategic military cooperation during a high-level meeting between Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Saudi Armed Forces Chief of General Staff (CGS) General Fayyadh Bin Hameed Al Rowaili, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.
According to the military’s media wing, the two leaders met at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, where they discussed bilateral defence ties, regional security, and expanding cooperation across multiple military domains.
“Both leaders underscored the importance of further enhancing defence collaboration, security cooperation and counter-terrorism efforts,” the ISPR said.
The Saudi CGS praised Pakistan’s cooperation with the Saudi Armed Forces, acknowledging Islamabad’s support across training, counter-terrorism, and defence development. He reaffirmed Riyadh’s commitment to further broadening the partnership.
Upon his arrival at GHQ, General Al Rowaili laid a floral wreath at the Yadgar-e-Shuhada and was presented with a guard of honour.
Military cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia has deepened significantly in recent months. In September, the two countries signed a landmark Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA), which stipulates that an attack on either state will be treated as aggression against both — a first-of-its-kind pact in the region.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signed the agreement in Riyadh on September 17 during the premier’s official visit.
Following the signing, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated that several Arab and Muslim countries had expressed interest in joining the pact. Addressing the National Assembly on October 3, Dar suggested the agreement could eventually evolve into an “Eastern NATO-like alliance” if additional states come on board.
He also asserted that Pakistan was poised to take a leading role among the 57 member states of the Islamic world.
