Saudi armed forces chief calls on PM Shehbaz, discusses defence ties

Saudi Arabia’s Chief of General Staff General Fayyad bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday and discussed ways to further strengthen defence and security cooperation between the two countries, the Prime Minister’s Office said.

During the meeting, the prime minister conveyed warm wishes for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to deepen its historic ties with the kingdom across defence, security and economic domains.

The prime minister expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s “unwavering support and solidarity,” noting that relations between the two nations were rooted in shared faith, values and mutual trust.

Recalling his recent visits to Riyadh, he highlighted the signing of the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to expanding defence collaboration through joint training, exercises and exchange of expertise.

He also underlined the shared determination of both countries to combat terrorism and extremism, and to promote regional peace and stability.

General Al-Ruwaili conveyed greetings from the Saudi leadership and reiterated the kingdom’s desire to further elevate its strategic partnership with Pakistan.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, SAPM Tariq Fatemi and senior officials from both sides.

Earlier today, General Fayyad met Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at the General Headquarters, the military said in a statement.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the two sides discussed matters of mutual interest, with a focus on strengthening military and security cooperation.

They also reviewed ongoing collaboration in defence, training, and counter-terrorism, which remain key pillars of the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia partnership.

According to the statement, the visiting official appreciated Pakistan’s support to the Saudi Armed Forces across multiple domains and reaffirmed his commitment to deeper cooperation.