CDF Munir, new Saudi envoy express satisfaction at progress made under Makkah defence pact: ISPR

Dr Rajeh Tami Albugamy, the new Saudi envoy to Pakistan, held a meeting with Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir on Monday. Both parties expressed satisfaction with the advancements under the trilateral Makkah defence arrangement, according to Pakistan's military media. Albugamy took up his diplomatic duties in Islamabad last Thursday, reaffirming the dedication to bolstering strategic and fraternal relations between the nations.

The ambassador consulted with CDF Munir at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, where they discussed matters of mutual interest and regional security concerns. Both dignitaries praised the progress under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, emphasizing the significance of bolstering defense collaborations, institutional ties, and strategic coordination.

CDF Munir warmly congratulated Albugamy on his appointment, expressing faith that his tenure would further fortify the long-standing friendly ties between Islamabad and Riyadh, which are "grounded in shared faith, mutual trust, and strategic partnership." Earlier in the week, Albugamy met with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

Prime Minister Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan's backing for Saudi Arabia in defending its "sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity" in the wake of recent intensifying Houthi assaults. Deputy Prime Minister Dar highlighted the enduring fraternal and strategic connections between Islamabad and Riyadh during his meeting with Albugamy.

He also reiterated Islamabad and Riyadh's "shared dedication to further ameliorate bilateral cooperation for mutual advancement and prosperity." Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey convened an emergency summit under the Makkah alliance recently and consented to deploy military forces and capabilities swiftly in the kingdom. Though the statement did not explicitly name any threat, this move followed Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia.

The Makkah defence pact, signed on August 7, strives to augment collective deterrence and enable its signatory nations to treat an attack against one of them as an attack against all. In a recent interview, the military spokesperson disclosed that Pakistan is offering "all necessary support" to safeguard Saudi Arabia amidst Houthi rebel strikes against the kingdom.