ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia on Tuesday expressed condolences to Pakistan over the deadly suicide bombing in Islamabad that killed at least 12 people and reaffirmed its firm stance against militant violence and extremism.

The statement came against the backdrop of strengthening Pakistan-Saudi Arabia ties, which culminated in a joint security pact signed in September pledging that an attack on one country would be treated as an attack on both.

The agreement was part of a broader defence cooperation framework covering intelligence-sharing, counterterrorism coordination and regional stability.

“The Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan expresses its deep condolences and sincere sympathy to the Government and people of Pakistan over the tragic loss of life and property caused by the bombing in Islamabad, in which several individuals were killed and injured,” the Saudi embassy said in a statement.

“The Embassy reaffirms the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s principled and consistent position condemning all forms of terrorism and extremism," it continued. "It prays for mercy for the deceased, speedy recovery for the injured and safety and security for the people of Pakistan.”

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have close religious, cultural, diplomatic and strategic relations, particularly in the areas of trade and defense.

The Kingdom hosts more than two million Pakistani expatriates, who are the largest source of remittances to the South Asian country.

Last month, Saudi officials called on Pakistan and Afghanistan to exercise restraint, avoid escalation and adopt dialogue and wisdom after intense border clashes to ease tensions and preserve the security and stability of the regio