Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired the cabinet meeting that ratified the defence agreement signed in June 2023. Kuwait had already approved the pact in July 2026.
ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN — WEB DESK: Pakistan’s federal cabinet on Wednesday ratified the defence cooperation agreement between Pakistan and Kuwait, formalising a pact aimed at expanding military ties and institutional cooperation between the two countries.
The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
The agreement was concluded on June 11, 2023, while the Kuwaiti government ratified it on July 19, 2026.
Agreement to expand military cooperation
The defence agreement provides a framework for cooperation in several areas, including military training and education, joint exercises, the exchange of expertise and other mutually agreed activities.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office has previously said the arrangement is intended to strengthen institutional links between the armed forces of both countries and support their longstanding defence partnership.
The agreement also provides for cooperation in areas such as military manufacturing, electronic communications systems, scientific research and military-related cultural and sports activities.
A joint military committee is envisaged to coordinate implementation, including training programmes, official visits and other cooperative activities.
Separate protocol agreement signed in 2026
The cabinet’s ratification of the 2023 agreement follows another defence-related development between the two countries.
Pakistan and Kuwait signed the Protocol Agreement-2026 in August to strengthen the military cooperation framework established under the original pact.
Under the protocol, Pakistan’s armed forces will assist their Kuwaiti counterparts in areas including training, capacity building, border management and other mutually agreed fields.
The protocol and the original defence cooperation agreement are separate instruments. The cabinet decision announced on Wednesday concerns ratification of the 2023 agreement.
Longstanding defence partnership
Pakistan and Kuwait have maintained defence and diplomatic relations for decades, with both sides seeking to expand cooperation through official exchanges and military engagement.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office welcomed Kuwait’s ratification in July, describing the agreement as an important step towards strengthening bilateral security cooperation and institutional ties.
