Pakistan, KSA partnership to guide future cooperation

President Asif Ali Zardari reaffirmed the close friendship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia during a farewell meeting with the Saudi ambassador, Nawaf bin Said Al-Malkiy, at Aiwan-e-Sadr. According to Mettis Link News, citing a press release, the president credited the envoy with advancing ties in political, economic and trade matters. He expressed confidence that the foundation built during the ambassador's tenure would continue to shape bilateral cooperation.

Senator Sherry Rehman also attended the meeting. Ambassador Al-Malkiy, who has represented Saudi Arabia in Pakistan since 2017, said he would keep Pakistan and its people in high esteem. Zardari wished him success in his future work and said Pakistan would always feel like a second home to him.

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye recently signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, a trilateral security framework intended to bolster shared defence and stability in the region. The pact came amid escalating regional tensions, as Gulf oil-exporting states were targeted by missile attacks and faced disruptions to energy shipments. A joint statement said an armed attack against any of the three states would be regarded as an attack on every member.