Saudi Arabia and nuclear-armed Pakistan have signed a formal mutual defence pact in a move that significantly strengthens a decades-long security partnership amid heightened regional tensions.
The enhanced defence ties come as Gulf Arab States grow increasingly wary about the reliability of the United States (US) as their longstanding security guarantor – concerns heightened by Israel’s attack in Qatar last week.
“This agreement is a culmination of years of discussions,” a senior Saudi official said. “This is not a response to specific countries or specific events but an institutionalisation of longstanding and deep cooperation between our two countries.”
Israel’s attempt to kill the political leaders of Hamas with airstrikes on Doha, while they were discussing a ceasefire proposal that Qatar is helping to mediate, infuriated Arab countries.
The pact on Wednesday (17) could shift the strategic calculus in a complex region. Gulf monarchies – allies of Washington, District of Columbia, US – have sought to stabilise ties with both Iran and Israel to resolve longstanding security concerns.
But, the Gaza war has upended the region and Qatar has been subjected to direct hits twice in a year, once by Iran and once by Israel.
The senior Saudi official acknowledged the need to balance relations with Pakistan’s rival, India, also a nuclear power.
“Our relationship with India is more robust than it has ever been. We will continue to grow this relationship and seek to contribute to regional peace whichever way we can.”
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 encompasses all military means.”
Pakistani State television showed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and the Kingdom’s de facto ruler Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, embracing after signing the agreement. In attendance was Pakistan’s Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, regarded as the country’s most powerful person.
A statement from the Pakistani Premier’s office said: “This agreement, which reflects the shared commitment of both nations to enhance their security and to achieve 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.”
(Reuters and The Guardian)