Saudi Chargé d’Affaires to Pakistan Naif Bin Mlafakh has reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to further strengthening its longstanding brotherly and strategic partnership with Pakistan.

Addressing a reception in Islamabad to mark the 96th National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, he said both countries shared a resolve to promote security, stability and prosperity.

The reception was attended by National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, federal ministers, parliamentarians, politicians, members of the diplomatic corps, religious scholars, academicians, media representatives and people from various walks of life.

Welcoming the distinguished guests, the Saudi Chargé d’Affaires extended greetings on behalf of the Saudi Embassy to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Saudi government and people on the national occasion.

Naif Bin Mlafakh said the National Day was not merely a historical commemoration but an occasion to recall the journey of a nation united under the leadership of the Kingdom’s founder, King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, and its subsequent development through successive stages of nation-building, development and modernization.

The Saudi Chargé d’Affaires highlighted the Kingdom’s achievements in development and modernization, particularly under Saudi Vision 2030, saying the ambitious programme was contributing to economic diversification and enhancing Saudi Arabia’s position internationally.

He also underscored Saudi Arabia’s role in the Arab and Islamic worlds, particularly its efforts to support the causes of the Muslim Ummah and contribute to regional stability.

On Pakistan-Saudi relations, Naif Bin Mlafakh said their strength rested not only on longstanding history but also on the ability of both countries to adapt their partnership to emerging challenges and changing global circumstances.

He described Pakistan and Saudi Arabia as brotherly countries with deep-rooted bonds, saying both sides were working together to strengthen security, stability and prosperity.

He said the two countries were moving steadily towards a broader and more strategic partnership based on political understanding, mutual trust and a shared commitment to regional peace and security.

Naif Bin Mlafakh particularly highlighted the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement signed between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in 2025, saying it had added a new strategic dimension to the longstanding bilateral partnership.

He said the agreement reflected the depth of mutual confidence between the two countries and demonstrated their determination to enhance cooperation in areas of common interest.

He also referred to the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement involving Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkiye, describing it as an important step towards strengthening solidarity among brotherly countries, enhancing collective security and defence cooperation, and contributing to regional stability.