ISLAMABAD: The Royal Saudi Land Forces and the Pakistan Army held a joint military exercise in the eastern city of Muzaffargarh to enhance their military capabilities and exchange expertise, the Pakistani military said on Monday.

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan 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 military training annually.

Last month, the Royal Saudi Land Forces and Pakistan Army personnel kicked off a joint military training exercise in the eastern city of Okara. In January, a joint Saudi Arabia-Pakistan defense forum met in Islamabad to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation and increasing collaborations in all domains.

“Pakistan Army and Royal Saudi Land Forces conducted a joint military training exercise at Muzaffargarh Field Firing Range,” the Inter-Services Public Relations, the Pakistani military’s media wing said in a statement.

It added both forces “actively participated” in the training, which involved Combined Battle PT, small-scale operations, room clearance, close marksmanship, and firing and repelling.

Cobra helicopters were used in the joint exercise, during which both forces underwent “intensive training” to master helicopter mounting and dismounting “in the context of terrorism,” according to the ISPR.

“These training exercises will provide a unique opportunity for Pakistan Army and the Royal Saudi Land Forces to align their strengths, exchange expertise and enhance their military capabilities,” it added.