Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on Wednesday signed the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA), under which any aggression against either country will be considered an attack on both.

“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 defence 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 joint statement shared by PM Office Media Wing said.

PM Shehbaz Sharif, at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, undertook a state visit to the kingdom on Wednesday.

He was received with full royal protocol, including a guard of honour by contingents of the Saudi Armed Forces.

The meeting between PM Shehbaz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman focused on strengthening bilateral ties and reviewing key regional and international issues.

The talks were attended by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, and other senior ministers.

In the presence of the two leaders and their delegations, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia formally signed the SMDA, aimed at boosting defence cooperation and reinforcing mutual security.

According to the joint statement, the pact commits both nations to treat aggression against either side as an attack against both.

Following the signing ceremony, PM Shehbaz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman embraced warmly.

Pakistan reiterated its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the Kingdom’s security.

The Pakistani premier also conveyed greetings to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, expressing best wishes for his health and thanking the Saudi leadership for the warm welcome and hospitality.

PM Shehbaz arrived in Riyadh on Wednesday as part of his three-nation tour.

At Riyadh’s Royal Terminal, he was received by Deputy Governor of Riyadh Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz along with senior Saudi officials. Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmed Farooq and other diplomats were also present.

Earlier, as the prime minister’s aircraft entered Saudi airspace, it was escorted by Saudi Air Force fighter jets in a ceremonial welcome.

Later at Riyadh Airport Lounge, Shehbaz Sharif held a brief meeting with Deputy Governor Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman, where both sides discussed Pakistan-Saudi relations and prospects of bilateral cooperation.

Following his Saudi visit, PM Shehbaz is scheduled to travel to the United Kingdom for meetings with British officials, before heading to the United States on September 21.

On September 22, he is expected to attend a summit in New York focused on the two-state solution for Palestine. He will also address the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 26, before returning home via the UK on September 29.