Pakistan PM Sharif Begins Saudi Visit With Defence Chief Munir

The Story in Brief

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Jeddah on Thursday for a three-day visit to Saudi Arabia, accompanied by Chief of Defence Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir and senior ministers. Times Now News reports that talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will cover defence cooperation, bilateral ties and regional security. The visit comes as tensions continue around the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb Strait and wider Gulf. Pakistan is among 14 countries supporting a Saudi proposal for a multinational maritime defence coalition to protect shipping and energy infrastructure. Islamabad and Riyadh signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement last year, which entered into force earlier this year. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar is expected to join the delegation from Jordan.

The Indian Opinion

Claims that this is either a routine diplomatic trip or proof of an imminent regional military alliance both run ahead of the available facts. The stated agenda is broader, covering bilateral ties and regional issues, while Pakistan’s support for the maritime coalition does not by itself establish combat commitments. The useful test is whether the talks produce a public deployment decision, funding pledge or operational role for Pakistan, rather than another statement of intent.

Source: timesnownews.com

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