ISLAMABAD, Wednesday, October 8, 2025 (WNP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reaffirmed that the Pakistan–Saudi Arabia defence cooperation agreement is anchored in “brotherhood, mutual trust, and shared destiny,” emphasizing that closer collaboration between the two nations will strengthen their standing in the global community.

He was addressing a luncheon hosted in honour of the visiting Saudi delegation led by Prince Mansour bin Mohammad bin Saad Al Saud, Chairman of the Saudi–Pakistan Joint Business Council, at the Prime Minister’s House. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, federal ministers, senior officials, and leading business figures attended the event.

Welcoming the delegation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said it was a pleasure to meet Prince Mansour again, describing the gathering as “a meeting of one family bound by faith, friendship, and shared aspirations.”

Recalling his long association with the Kingdom, the prime minister said he first visited Saudi Arabia in the 1960s and had since witnessed its phenomenal transformation under successive visionary leaderships. Describing his recent visit to Riyadh as “unique and unforgettable,” he expressed deep gratitude for the warm hospitality extended by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the Saudi people.

“The Saudi leadership and people have always stood by Pakistan through every test and trial,” he said, reiterating Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the sanctity and security of the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.

He noted that the recently signed defence cooperation pact formalizes a relationship rooted in faith and fraternity. “We are true brothers — and a brother always stands by his brother. Pakistan will always remain a steadfast protector of the holy sites,” he asserted.

Highlighting the expanding scope of bilateral cooperation, the prime minister said both nations are entering a new era of engagement based on trade, investment, research, and innovation. “This is a time of golden opportunities. Together, we can translate our shared vision into tangible progress,” he remarked.

Paying tribute to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s “bold and transformative leadership,” Shehbaz Sharif said Saudi Arabia’s rapid advancement stands as a model for the Muslim world. “Time and circumstances wait for no one — we must embrace change, foster innovation, and strengthen unity to secure our place in the global community,” he added.

The prime minister expressed confidence in Pakistan’s capable team to implement the agreed initiatives, noting that both sides share a strong commitment to advancing new partnerships.

In his remarks, Prince Mansour bin Mohammad bin Saad Al Saud said he had consulted senior Saudi ministers before arriving in Islamabad to brief them on potential strategic projects with Pakistan.

He said the Saudi business community was eager to invest in Pakistan’s key sectors, appreciating Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s personal commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation.

Prince Mansour reaffirmed the Kingdom’s resolve to work closely with Pakistan in realizing mutually beneficial projects that would strengthen economic and strategic ties between the two brotherly nations.