Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Pakistan, Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Malkiy, has announced that Islamabad and Riyadh are close to signing a new strategic economic treaty aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Speaking to media during an iftar dinner he hosted in Islamabad, the ambassador said both countries are finalising a major economic framework that will benefit the economies of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
“God willing, we are preparing a new strategic economic plan between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The agreement will be signed soon,” he said.
Expanding economic and defence ties
Al-Malkiy described the upcoming agreement as a reflection of growing economic and defence collaboration between the two countries.
The announcement follows the signing of the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) on September 17, 2025, in Riyadh. The pact elevated the long-standing security partnership to a binding framework under which aggression against one nation would be treated as aggression against both.
The ambassador noted that the defence agreement, signed three months ago, has laid the groundwork for deeper strategic alignment.
Strong bilateral relationship
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have historically maintained close political, economic, and military ties. Al-Malkiy reiterated that Riyadh places special importance on its relationship with Islamabad and emphasized that the two nations have consistently supported each other’s positions on regional and international matters.
He expressed confidence that cooperation will continue to expand across multiple sectors, including trade, investment, and security.
High-profile attendance
The iftar gathering was attended by prominent political, diplomatic, and business figures, including provincial governors, federal ministers, senators, senior bureaucrats, journalists, and members of the trade community.
The anticipated economic treaty is expected to further institutionalize cooperation and potentially open new avenues for investment, infrastructure development, and strategic partnerships between the two countries.
