Pakistan And Saudi Arabia Sign Defense Pact Amid Tensions In Middle-East: Here's What We Know

(MENAFN- Live Mint) Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on September 17 formally signed a mutual defense pact amid Hughenden tensions in the middle-east, according to a Reuters report.

The move significantly strengthens decades-long security partnership bbetween the countries and comes as Gulf Arab states grow increasingly wary about the reliability of the United States as their longstanding security guarantor, the report added. Notably, Israel last week attacked Qatar hiking such concerns.

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“This agreement is a culmination of years of discussions. This is not a response to specific countries or specific events but an institutionalization of longstanding and deep cooperation between our two countries,” a senior Saudi official told Reuters when asked about its timing.

Reportedly, Israel's airstrikes on Doha, to kill Hamas leaders during ceasefire discussions that Qatar is helping to mediate, infuriated Arab countries.

The deal also comes as Gulf monarchies look to balance ties with both Israel and Iran to resolve longstanding security concerns. Notably, Qatar had been hit by both this year amid the situation in Gaza.

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The senior Saudi official, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity, acknowledged the need to balance relations with Pakistan's rival, India, also a nuclear power.

“Our relationship with India is more robust than it has ever been. We will continue to grow this relationship and seek to contribute to regional peace whichever way we can.”

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Asked whether Pakistan would be obliged to provide Saudi Arabia with a nuclear umbrella under the pact, the official said:“This is a comprehensive defensive agreement that encompasses all military means.”

Pakistani state television showed Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom's de facto ruler, embracing after signing the agreement. In attendance was Pakistan's army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, regarded as the country's most powerful person.

“This agreement, which reflects the shared commitment of both nations to enhance their security and to achieving security and peace in the region and the world, aims to develop aspects of defense cooperation between the two countries and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression. The agreement states that any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both,” a statement from the Pakistani prime minister's office said.

(With inputs from Reuters)

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