"The signing ceremony at the Royal Court in Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh was witnessed by senior officials from Saudi Arabia, the custodian of two of Islam's holiest sites, alongside representatives from Pakistan, the Muslim world's only nuclear power. The deal comes at a critical moment. Regional politics have been upended by two years of Israeli aggression including its war on Gaza and strikes on neighbouring states capped by last week's Israeli attack on Doha, Qatar's capital, which borders Saudi Arabia."
"But it also comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, after a short but intense conflict in May in which they struck each other's military bases over four days, taking South Asia to the brink of a full-fledged war between nuclear-armed neighbours. Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the agreement with Saudi Arabia reflects the shared commitment of both nations to strengthen security and promote regional peace, while also pledging to strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression. The agreement states that any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both, the ministry said."
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan formalized a strategic mutual defence agreement at Al-Yamamah Palace, committing to treat aggression against one as aggression against both. The ceremony involved senior officials and full royal protocol, underscoring the depth of ties. The pact arrives amid heightened Gulf anxiety after two years of Israeli military actions and a recent attack on Doha. The agreement also coincides with elevated India–Pakistan tensions following a brief May conflict that risked wider war. Pakistan's foreign ministry emphasized the pact's aim to strengthen security, promote regional peace, and reinforce joint deterrence. Pakistan previously held Cold War mutual defence ties with the United States that dissolved by the 1970s.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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