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

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

The ambassador visited CDF Munir at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, where they deliberated on matters of mutual interest and regional security dynamics. Both dignitaries emphasized the significance of enhancing defense collaboration, institutional linkages, and strategic coordination during their meeting. Field Marshal Munir congratulated Albugamy on his appointment and conveyed confidence that his tenure would further fortify the centuries-old fraternal ties between Islamabad and Riyadh, which are "founded on shared faith, mutual trust, and strategic partnership".

The week prior, Albugamy met with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Prime Minister Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan's support for Saudi Arabia in defending its "sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity" amidst the recent intensification of Houthi attacks. Deputy Prime Minister Dar highlighted the "prolonged fraternal and strategic bonds" between Islamabad and Riyadh, while also affirming their "mutual dedication to intensifying bilateral cooperation for common growth and prosperity".

Islamabad and Riyadh have ratified two defense accords aimed at collective defense, the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement and the Makkah Joint Defence Alliance, which also comprises Turkey. Last month, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey convened an emergency summit under the Makkah alliance, agreeing to dispatch military forces and capabilities swiftly to the kingdom.

Although the statement did not explicitly identify any specific threat, the move transpired amid the backdrop of Houthi assaults on Saudi Arabia. As highlighted in an interview aired on Sunday by the military's spokesman, Pakistan is extending "all necessary assistance" to safeguard Saudi Arabia amidst attacks perpetrated by Yemen's Houthi rebels against the kingdom.