Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praises Riyadh’s support and outgoing Saudi envoy Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki’s contribution to Pakistan-Saudi ties.
ISLAMABAD – Web Desk: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday praised Saudi Arabia’s continued support for Pakistan and its role in promoting peace and stability in the region.
The prime minister made the remarks during a farewell meeting with outgoing Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad.
According to the report carried by Geo News and attributed to the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), Shehbaz Sharif expressed Pakistan’s appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s “steadfast support and generous assistance” and highlighted Riyadh’s role in regional peace and stability.
Shehbaz praises outgoing Saudi envoy
The prime minister congratulated Al-Malki on completing his diplomatic assignment and praised his contribution to strengthening the longstanding relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
Shehbaz also conveyed his best wishes for Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.
The prime minister wished the outgoing ambassador continued success in his future endeavours.
Al-Malki reaffirms commitment to bilateral ties
During the meeting, Al-Malki thanked the Pakistani government and people for the cooperation, hospitality and warmth extended to him throughout his tenure.
The outgoing ambassador described his time in Pakistan as a memorable and rewarding experience and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the longstanding ties between the two countries.
Pakistan-Saudi ties span defence and economy
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia maintain longstanding ties covering diplomacy, defence and economic cooperation.
The relationship has gained additional strategic importance amid growing regional security concerns, with Islamabad and Riyadh continuing to deepen defence cooperation.
According to the report, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement in September 2025, under which aggression against either country would be treated as aggression against both.
The partnership was further expanded on August 7, 2026, when Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.
Under that agreement, an armed attack against any one of the three countries is regarded as an attack against all three. The countries are also seeking closer coordination on maritime security and protection of regional shipping and energy routes amid heightened tensions.
Saudi Arabia remains important economic partner
Saudi Arabia’s support for Pakistan also extends to the economic sector.
The report said Riyadh provided Pakistan with an additional $3 billion deposit in April 2026 and extended an existing $5 billion deposit facility through 2028.
Pakistan received the additional deposit in two tranches, with $2 billion transferred on April 15 and another $1 billion on April 20, according to the report.
The financial support came as Pakistan continued efforts to strengthen its external financing position and reserves under its $7 billion International Monetary Fund programme.
Saudi Arabia has also supported Pakistan during periods of economic pressure through financial deposits and deferred-payment oil facilities.
Strong strategic partnership
The latest meeting highlights the continued importance Islamabad attaches to its relationship with Riyadh.
While the farewell call marked the completion of Al-Malki’s diplomatic assignment, both sides reiterated the importance of maintaining and strengthening Pakistan-Saudi cooperation across political, defence and economic areas.
The two countries are expected to continue coordination on regional peace, security and economic cooperation as geopolitical tensions remain elevated.
