The
enhanced defense ties come as Gulf Arab states grow increasingly wary about the
reliability of the United States as their longstanding security guarantor.
Israel's attack on Qatar last week heightened those concerns.
"This agreement is a culmination of years of
discussions. This is not a response to specific countries or specific events
but an institutionalization of longstanding and deep cooperation between our
two countries," a senior Saudi official told Reuters when asked about its
timing.
Israel's attempt to kill the political leaders of Hamas with
airstrikes on Doha, while they were discussing a ceasefire proposal that Qatar
is helping to mediate, infuriated Arab countries.
The
pact could shift the strategic calculus in a complex region. Allies of Washington,
Gulf monarchies have sought to stabilize ties with both Iran and Israel to
resolve longstanding security concerns.
But the Gaza war has upended the region and Gulf state Qatar
has been subjected to direct hits twice in a year, once by Iran and once by
Israel.
The senior Saudi official, who spoke on condition of
anonymity, acknowledged the need to balance relations with Pakistan's rival,
India, also a nuclear power.
"Our relationship with India is more robust than it has
ever been. We will continue to grow this relationship and seek to contribute to
regional peace whichever way we can."
Asked whether Pakistan would be obliged to provide Saudi
Arabia with a nuclear umbrella under the pact, the official said, "This is
a comprehensive defensive agreement that encompasses all military means."
Pakistani state television showed Pakistani Prime Minister
Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom's de
facto ruler, embracing after signing the agreement. In attendance was Pakistan's
army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, regarded as the country's most powerful
person.
"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 agreement states that any aggression against either country
shall be considered an aggression against both," a statement from the
Pakistani prime minister's office said.
