The strengthening of defense ties comes at a time when the United States is increasingly suspicious of its long-standing security guarantee. Israel’s attack on Qatar last week heightened these concerns.
This agreement is the culmination of years of negotiations. “This is not an answer to specific countries or events, but about the institutionalization of deep and lasting cooperation between our two countries,” a senior Saudi official told Reuters when asked about the time of his signature.
Israel’s attempt to kill Hamas political leaders with air strikes in Doha, while discussing a ceasefire proposal in which Qatar is helping to mediate, angered Arab countries.
The pact could change strategic calculus in a complex region. Allies of Washington and the Gulf monarchies have sought to stabilize their ties with Iran and Israel to resolve old security concerns.
But the Gaza war has disrupted the region, and Qatar, a Gulf state, has been the subject of direct attacks twice in a year, once by Iran and once by Israel.
The Saudi deal comes months after Pakistan waged a brief military conflict with rival India in May.
Indian Foreign Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on social media website X on Thursday that India was aware of the development and added that it would study its implications for New Delhi’s security and regional stability.
The senior Saudi official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, acknowledged the need to balance relations with Pakistan’s rival, India, also a nuclear power.
Our relationship with India is stronger than ever. We will continue to strengthen it and seek to contribute to regional peace as much as possible.
When 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 covers all military means.”
Pakistani state television showed Pakistan’s prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif, and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom’s de facto ruler, hugging after the agreement was signed. Among those present was the head of the Pakistani forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir, considered the most powerful person in the country.
This agreement, which reflects the shared commitment of both nations to strengthen their security and achieve security and peace in the region and the world, seeks to develop aspects of defence cooperation between the two countries and to strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression. The agreement states that any aggression against either country will be considered an assault on both, according to a statement from the Pakistani prime minister’s office.
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