ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Army and the Royal Saudi Land Forces kicked off a joint military training exercise at the eastern city of Okara on Sunday, a statement from the army’s media wing said.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy strong defense ties and bilateral security cooperation. The two nations regularly engage in joint air, ground, and sea military exercises. Several cadets from the kingdom, along with counterparts from other Middle Eastern nations, visit Pakistan to undergo specialized army training annually.
A joint Pakistan-Saudi Arabia defense forum met earlier this month in Islamabad to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation and increasing collaborations in all domains.
Sunday’s training was organized by the Multan Corps and took place at the Okara Garrison, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said, adding that both Pakistani and Saudi contingents presented an impressive drill.
“Through the joint training program, the armed forces’ contingents of both countries will undergo classroom sessions and have the opportunity to hone their collective combat skills,” the ISPR said.
Officers and soldiers who took part in the training were presented badges at the end of the ceremony by the Okara Garrison commander, who was the chief guest at the event.
Apart from defense and security ties, Pakistan enjoys strong economic and trade relations with the kingdom. Saudi Arabia is home to over 2.7 million Pakistani expatriates, serving as the top destination for remittances for the cash-strapped South Asian country.
Along with the UAE, the kingdom has frequently bailed Pakistan out of its economic crisis over the years. Last year, Saudi Arabia lent $2 billion to Pakistan which proved critical in helping it secure a bailout package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and avoid a sovereign debt default.
