Rawalpindi, 8 February 2022 (TDI): To enhance and strengthen the existing military cooperation between the Pakistan Army and Royal Saudi Land Forces (RSLF), a contingent of Royal Saudi Land Forces arrived for Joint Mechanized Training in Multan Garrison. The training will last for two months.

The Opening Ceremony of Pak-Saudi Joint Mechanized Training was held at Multan Garrison. General Officer Commanding, Major General Zafar Iqbal Marwat was the Chief Guest on this occasion. Furthermore, Pakistan and Saudi troops were present.

The joint training aim is to strengthen and share knowledge through a comprehensive training program. Drills and procedures will be practiced, and tactical exercises conducted to refine the same.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia Relationship

Pakistan with the United Kingdom of Saudi Arabia established diplomatic relations in 1951. Both states enjoy a strong and strategic relationship. In addition, both states are partners in vast areas of cooperation.

Regarding their Bilateral relations, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia interact in different areas. For instance, in the areas of Security issues, Economic, culture, energy, and many more.

Firstly, about security, the two nations work against terrorism and have had previous military cooperation. For instance, in 2018, Pakistan sent troops to Saudi Arabia for military training, there was also a land force joint exercise in 2017, and many more.

Secondly, when it comes to their economic relations, Saudi Arabia is the largest contributor of petrol to Pakistan, and both are trade partners through the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Moreover, in 2019 Saudi Arabia ratified a 20 billion dollars package for strengthening the energy and other sectors in Gwadar. This investment was the effect of the visit of Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman to Pakistan.

Thirdly, for their cultural relations, since the two nations are of Muslim Majority or Muslim states, this means that they have similar values and this is a plus for cooperation between them.

Both engage in the Multilateral sphere as members of similar international and regional Organizations. for instance, they interact through the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the United Nations (UN), the World Trade Organization (WTO), the World Health Organization (WHO), and more.