Ashraf AboArafe
Riyadh, 17 September 2025 – In a landmark moment for regional security and bilateral relations, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and the Prime Minister of Pakistan, His Excellency Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, formally exchanged the documents of the Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement (SMDA) during an official ceremony at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh.
The exchange of documents symbolized the culmination of an official state visit by Prime Minister Sharif, held at the gracious invitation of the Saudi leadership. Both leaders hailed the agreement as a historic milestone, reinforcing nearly eight decades of strategic partnership and Islamic solidarity between the two nations.
The agreement commits both countries to closer defense cooperation, joint deterrence measures, and a unified stance against any external aggression. Officials emphasized that the pact is designed not only to strengthen national security but also to contribute to broader regional and global stability.
The ceremonial signing and exchange were conducted in the presence of high-level delegations from both sides. The moment was marked with formal gestures of camaraderie, underscoring the depth of Saudi–Pakistani ties and the shared vision for peace, security, and prosperity.
Following the ceremony, Prime Minister Sharif expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to advancing the brotherly relationship with the Kingdom. In turn, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman conveyed his best wishes for the well-being of the Pakistani leadership and people.
Observers note that the SMDA is likely to reshape the security architecture of the region, sending a clear signal of unity and strategic alignment between Riyadh and Islamabad.
