Top Pakistani diplomat indicates other nations want to sign defense pact

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) - Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday hinted that other nations want to sign a defense pact with Islamabad after Saudi Arabia signed a defense pact with the only Muslim nuclear-armed nation.

“It’s premature to say anything, but some other countries want to enter into an agreement of this nature,” Dar told reporters in the British capital, London, according to the daily Dawn.

The pact with Riyadh was “not signed overnight; it has taken several months,” Dar said.

On Wednesday, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signed the strategic defense agreement in Riyadh with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

“This agreement, which reflects the shared commitment of both nations to enhance their security and to achieve 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,” read a joint statement after the signing ceremony.

The agreement says: “Any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both.”

“I believe that both sides are very happy. Let’s be frank: Saudi Arabia has stood with us during difficult times, such as the sanctions. Their support was very relevant and important,” said the top Pakistani diplomat.

Asked whether Saudi Arabia would benefit from Pakistan’s nuclear umbrella, Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said on Thursday night: “What we have, our capabilities, will absolutely be available under this pact.”

He added that Pakistan, which conducted its first nuclear tests in 1998, “is a responsible nuclear power,” a status that has “never” been challenged.