Issue Brief on “Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Defence Cooperation: Enhancing Relations Further”

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The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and Pakistan enjoy a robust and enduring strategic partnership. Alongside their multifaceted relationship, both nations prioritize their bilateral defence cooperation. To this end, Pakistan’s armed forces provide comprehensive training and advisory support to their counterparts in KSA. Moreover, under various agreements, Pakistani military personnel have been stationed in Saudi Arabia to further strengthen the security of the country.[1] Furthermore, Saudi Arabia’s military personnel, including recruits, officers, and engineering staff, receive education, training, and valuable experience in military academies, war colleges, and defence industries within Pakistan. The armed forces of both countries also regularly engage in noteworthy and beneficial joint exercises, both in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. These exercises serve as platforms for the exchange of first-hand field experiences, enhancing combat efficiency, and strengthening real-time coordination between their respective forces. The relationship continues to flourish and has been described by the former Saudi intelligence chief, Prince Turki bin Faisal as “probably one of the closest relationships in the world between any two countries.”[2]

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