Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said that the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia defence cooperation agreement is founded on brotherhood and mutual trust, emphasising that both nations, by standing together, can secure a stronger position in the global community.

He was addressing a luncheon hosted at the Prime Minister’s House in honour of the visiting Saudi delegation, led by Prince Mansour bin Mohammad bin Saad Al Saud, Chairman of the Saudi-Pakistan Joint Business Council.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, federal ministers, senior government officials, and prominent business figures attended the event.

Prime Minister Shehbaz warmly welcomed Prince Mansour, describing the gathering as “a meeting of one family.”

He recalled his long-standing ties with the Kingdom, noting his first visit to Saudi Arabia in the 1960s and praising its remarkable transformation over the decades.

He termed his recent visit to Riyadh as “unique and unforgettable,” lauding the hospitality of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the Saudi people.

“The Saudi leadership and people have always stood by Pakistan through every trial and difficulty,” he said, adding that every Muslim is ready to sacrifice for the sanctity of the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.

Highlighting the defence pact, the premier said it formalised a relationship based on deep fraternity.

“We are true brothers, and a brother always stands by his brother. We will always remain protectors of the holy cities,” he affirmed.

The prime minister said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were determined to expand cooperation in trade, investment, research, and innovation, calling this “a time of golden opportunities.”

He expressed confidence that both sides could turn their shared business vision into reality through collective effort.

PM Shehbaz praised Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s “dynamic and visionary leadership,” crediting it for transforming Saudi society.

“Time and circumstances wait for no one. With cooperation and unity, we can establish a firm place in the global community,” he added.

Prince Mansour stated that he had met with senior Saudi ministers before arriving in Pakistan to brief them on strategic investment projects.

He reaffirmed the Saudi business community’s keen interest in Pakistan and appreciated the prime minister’s focus on expanding cooperation in key sectors.

He assured that Saudi Arabia shared Pakistan’s priorities and would work closely to achieve mutually beneficial economic and strategic goals.