Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — September 17, 2025 — Saudi Royal Air Force fighter jets escorted the aircraft of Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as it entered Saudi airspace on Wednesday, before accompanying it to a ceremonial landing at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
The rare military escort underscored the deepening strategic and brotherly ties between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, ahead of the Prime Minister’s official engagements in the Kingdom.
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Sharif is scheduled to hold talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at Al-Yamamah Palace, where an official reception will take place in his honor. Discussions are expected to cover bilateral trade, investment opportunities, energy cooperation, and regional security.
Saudi Arabia remains one of Pakistan’s closest allies and a vital economic partner, providing significant support through investments, oil supply arrangements, and development projects. Pakistan, in turn, has historically maintained strong military and defense cooperation with the Kingdom.
The Saudi Defence Ministry noted that the same protocol was extended earlier this year when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Kingdom, reflecting Riyadh’s practice of honoring key strategic partners with high-level ceremonial gestures.
Diplomatic observers say the escort for Sharif highlights Riyadh’s intent to reaffirm its partnership with Islamabad at a time of shifting regional dynamics.
SOURCE : SAUDI Gazette & DT | Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube
