Pakistan and Saudi Arabia Strengthen Ties with Talks on Police, Paramilitary Exchange and Joint Training
Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Wednesday met Saudi Deputy Interior Minister Dr Nasir bin Abdulaziz Al Dawood in Islamabad to discuss increasing security cooperation including exchange of police and paramilitary forces and joint training programmes.
The meeting emphasized the strong military and security cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, which is the cornerstone of their sustainable bilateral relations. The two countries regularly hold joint military exercises and training sessions to enhance their defense capabilities. Pakistan, a key member of the Saudi-led Islamic military alliance, has historically played an important role in the kingdom’s security, including deploying troops to Saudi Arabia and training Saudi personnel, including pilots, since the 1970s.
“Interchange of paramilitary forces, police and joint training programs were discussed,” read a statement from Pakistan’s interior ministry after the meeting.
The meeting followed earlier talks between Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Dr. Al Dawood, during which Sharif expressed satisfaction over the progress of bilateral agreements.
In recent months, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have deepened their economic partnership. During the Saudi Investment Minister’s visit to Islamabad on October 10, the two countries signed 27 Memoranda of Agreements (MoUs) worth $2.2 billion. By October 30, during Sharif’s visit to Riyadh, the number of contracts had increased to 34, with a total value of $2.8 billion.
The continued engagement highlights the growing alignment between the two countries in the areas of security, economic development and regional stability.
