Pakistan and Saudi Arabia Strengthen Military Ties During High-Level Meetings in Riyadh

Top military officials from Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have reiterated their commitment to deepening defense and security cooperation. The reaffirmation took place during the eighth round of the Pakistan-Saudi Joint Military Cooperation Committee (JMCC) meetings in Riyadh, where discussions focused on expanding military collaboration between the two nations.

Gen. Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Pakistan’s chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, led the delegation, engaging in talks with key Saudi officials, including Air Chief Marshal Fayyadh Al Ruwaili, chairman of the General Staff of the Saudi Armed Forces, and Maj. Gen. Talal bin Abdullah Al-Otaibi, the Saudi assistant defense minister. Their discussions centered on military training programs, joint exchange initiatives, and further enhancing defense-related activities between the two countries.

A significant highlight of the meeting was Mirza’s reception with a guard of honor upon his arrival at the Saudi Armed Forces headquarters, symbolizing the strong defense partnership between the two nations. The bilateral defense cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia has spanned decades, based on mutual security concerns and shared strategic interests.

The two nations have consistently worked together to bolster their defense capabilities, strengthening their military ties through various joint initiatives aimed at enhancing regional stability. The meeting in Riyadh was an opportunity to solidify this ongoing relationship, with both sides expressing a clear commitment to furthering military collaboration.

UAE’s Long-Term Investment in Naval Fleet Maintenance

In related news, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has awarded a significant contract to a joint venture between local defense group EDGE and Italy's Fincantieri. The €500 million ($524 million) deal, announced in May 2024, is set to enhance the UAE Navy’s operational capabilities with comprehensive maintenance and upgrades for its fleet.

The joint venture, Maestral, will manage the UAE Navy’s maintenance needs and support the transformation of the naval fleet to meet future performance standards. The contract signifies the growing cooperation between Gulf nations and international defense firms, with Italian companies like Fincantieri strengthening long-term partnerships with regional firms such as EDGE, a technology group that oversees 25 UAE firms.