- Shehbaz praises Al-Malki’s role in strengthening bilateral ties.
- PM conveys best wishes to Saudi king, crown prince.
- Outgoing envoy vows to strengthen Pakistan-Saudi ties.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed Pakistan’s deep appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s steadfast support and generous assistance, as well as Riyadh’s pivotal role in promoting regional peace and stability.
The prime minister was speaking during a farewell call by Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki at the PM House following the completion of his diplomatic assignment.
He congratulated Al-Malki on the successful completion of his tenure and commended his contribution to further strengthening Pakistan-Saudi Arabia’s longstanding fraternal and strategic ties.
PM Shehbaz conveyed his warmest regards and best wishes for the health and well-being of Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince and PM Mohammed bin Salman.
The prime minister also wished the outgoing ambassador continued success in his future endeavours.
Al-Malki expressed his gratitude to the prime minister and the Pakistani government for the warmth, cooperation and hospitality extended to him throughout his tenure.
He described his time in Pakistan as a memorable and rewarding experience and reaffirmed his commitment to further strengthening the longstanding ties between the two countries.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy longstanding fraternal and strategic ties, with close cooperation spanning diplomacy, defence and economic affairs, making Riyadh a key partner for Islamabad.
The relationship has gained further strategic significance as both countries deepen defence cooperation amid growing regional security concerns.
In September last year, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, committing both sides to treat aggression against either country as aggression against both.
The pact built on decades of military cooperation, including training, technical assistance and defence exchanges between the two countries.
The partnership gained another dimension on August 7, 2026, when Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.
Under the pact, an armed attack against any one of the three countries is regarded as an attack against all.
The three countries are also seeking closer coordination on maritime security and protection of regional shipping and energy routes amid heightened regional tensions.
Saudi Arabia’s importance to Pakistan extends beyond defence, with Riyadh remaining a key source of financial assistance during periods of economic pressure.
In April 2026, Saudi Arabia provided Pakistan an additional $3 billion deposit and extended its existing $5 billion deposit facility through 2028.
Pakistan received the fresh deposit in two tranches, with $2 billion arriving on April 15 and the remaining $1 billion on April 20.
The assistance strengthened Pakistan’s external financing position as Islamabad continued efforts to bolster its reserves under its $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme.
Saudi Arabia has repeatedly supported Pakistan during economic difficulties through deposits and deferred-payment oil facilities.
