Saudi Arabia and Pakistan sign mutual defense pact
UPI

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan sign mutual defense pact

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed a mutual defense agreement, deepening their decades-long security partnership.

Sept. 18 (UPI) -- Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed a mutual defense agreement, deepening their decades-long security partnership as tensions in the region heighten following Israel's attack on Qatar last week.

The agreement was signed during Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif's visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.

"This agreement, which reflects the shared commitment of both nations to enhance their security and to achieving security and peace in the region and the world, aims to develop aspects of defense cooperation between the two countries and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression," the two countries said in a joint statement.

"The agreement states that any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both."

Both countries said the agreement builds on their nearly eight decades of partnership that is based "on the bond of brotherhood and Islamic solidarity" as well as strategic interests.

The agreement was signed after Israel launched an attack targeting senior Hamas leadership in Qatar's capital of Doha.

The move set off alarm bells throughout the Middle East, and threatened to undermine the trust of Gulf nations in the United States as not only be a reliable ally but a security guarantor.

During a summit on Monday in Doha, Arab and Islamic leaders came together in a sign of solidarity with Qatar.

It also comes several months following a four-day armed conflict between India and Pakistan.

India said Thursday it was aware of the agreement.

"We will study the implications of this development for our national security as well as for regional and global stability," Shri Randhir Jaiswal, a spokesman for India's foreign ministry, said in a statement.

"The government remains committed to protecting India's national interests and ensuring comprehensive national security in all domains."

Recommended for You

TV news' FAST era: Can free channels bring back younger viewers?
Los Angeles Times

TV news' FAST era: Can free channels bring back younger viewers?

News
WNBA playoffs: Three decisive Game 3s highlight a balanced season
AP News

WNBA playoffs: Three decisive Game 3s highlight a balanced season

News
No longer a dull formality, NFL kickoffs require a new set of skills for kickers and returners
AP News

No longer a dull formality, NFL kickoffs require a new set of skills for kickers and returners

News
Infected kidney stone keeps Dolly Parton from Dollywood event
UPI

Infected kidney stone keeps Dolly Parton from Dollywood event

News
Sarah McLachlan talks Lilith Fair, her first new album in 11 years and yes, that ASPCA commercial
AP News

Sarah McLachlan talks Lilith Fair, her first new album in 11 years and yes, that ASPCA commercial

News
Lionel Messi, Inter Miami finalizing multi-year extension
UPI

Lionel Messi, Inter Miami finalizing multi-year extension

Sports News
Women's rights activists rally in Belgium fearing US plans for birth control supplies
AP News

Women's rights activists rally in Belgium fearing US plans for birth control supplies

News
Review: In 'Black Rabbit,' Jason Bateman and Jude Law are brothers on the brink of disaster
Los Angeles Times

Review: In 'Black Rabbit,' Jason Bateman and Jude Law are brothers on the brink of disaster

News
New NIH panel seeks to reduce 'preventable' stillbirths in U.S.
UPI

New NIH panel seeks to reduce 'preventable' stillbirths in U.S.

News
Trump says he would have lowered flags for Minnesota slayings if asked. But he didn't call governor
AP News

Trump says he would have lowered flags for Minnesota slayings if asked. But he didn't call governor

News
120 land and environmental defenders killed or disappeared in Latin America last year, report finds
AP News

120 land and environmental defenders killed or disappeared in Latin America last year, report finds

News
Israel begins ground offensive in Gaza City with thousands of troops
Los Angeles Times

Israel begins ground offensive in Gaza City with thousands of troops

News
Protester found not guilty of assault despite top Border Patrol official’s testimony
Los Angeles Times

Protester found not guilty of assault despite top Border Patrol official’s testimony

News
Russia conducts war games in Belarus
UPI

Russia conducts war games in Belarus

News
California tied with Louisiana for highest US poverty rate, new report says
Los Angeles Times

California tied with Louisiana for highest US poverty rate, new report says

News