The Aramco agreement: A paradigm of Saudi support for Pakistan
https://arab.news/b8nq3
The Aramco agreement finalized last month symbolizes Saudi Arabia’s strong backing and support for Pakistan at a tumultuous time for the South Asian country. It marks the entrance of the colossal Aramco company into the realm of economic cooperation between the two nations. This collaboration, formalized by a final agreement to acquire a 40 percent stake in the Pakistan Gas and Oil Company Limited (GO), comes at a critical juncture. This is a time when other multinational companies and global giants have chosen to withdraw from Pakistan due to a prevailing state of political and economic instability. In this environment, the Aramco agreement serves as a testament to Saudi Arabia’s support for Pakistan; a relationship grounded in history and characterized by the Kingdom’s substantial assistance.
In an article penned by the former Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr. Ali Awad Asiri in April 2022, he provided a detailed historical account of the enduring relations between the Kingdom and Pakistan. Asiri, who served as the ambassador in Islamabad from 2001 to 2009, emphasized that Saudi Arabia has been a consistent contributor to Pakistan’s economy, stability, and the well-being of its people, starting even before Pakistan gained independence in 1947. Dating back to 1940, when the “Pakistan Resolution from the United Nations” was issued, King Abdulaziz Al Saud’s visit to Karachi laid the foundations for a warm relationship with the leaders of the Muslim League. The Kingdom’s response to the Bengal famine in 1943 demonstrated its generous support, while a reception in 1946 held by Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz in New York sought international backing for the cause of Pakistan. Recognizing Pakistan among the first member states of the United Nations, a friendship treaty was signed in 1950, and in 1954, Saudi King Saud initiated the Karachi housing project, named “Saudabad” after King Saud. The historical narrative continued with pivotal moments such as Saudi support during the 1965 war between India and Pakistan, the conclusion of a bilateral defense cooperation protocol in 1967, and significant developments in 1974 during King Faisal’s reign, including the establishment of landmarks like the King Faisal Mosque in Islamabad.
A great deal of appreciation is owed to people who have over the last eight decades consistently worked to establish these historical relations between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
Dr. Jamal Al Harbi
Fast forward to 2018 and the Saudi Crown Prince’s emergency economic relief package to Pakistan, which exceeded $6 billion and demonstrated unwavering support for the country during challenging times. The Crown Prince’s statement, “I am your ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” preceded the largest Saudi-Pakistani investment agreement ever, worth $20 billion with $10 billion designated for the Aramco oil refinery.
A great deal of appreciation is owed to people who have over the last eight decades, consistently worked to establish these historical relations between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. In equal measure, there have been individuals and diplomats who have highlighted these pivotal milestones time and again, so the goodwill in relations between the two countries reached new heights in every era.
What is clear is that this is a unique bilateral bond rooted in fraternity, built on love, respect, shared religion, trust and a common destiny. Through a longstanding history of support, the Saudi-Pakistan relationship serves as a shining example in regional geopolitics, and has transcended the test of time.
– Dr. Jamal Al Harbi is a writer on international affairs and media advisor at the Saudi Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan.
