Bashar Signs Strategic Defense Agreement, Could Become New Security Provider in the Gulf

Nikkei Asia, September 19 report, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia sign the "Joint Strategic Defense Agreement" or reshape the balance of power in the Gulf region, with Pakistan expected to become a "net security provider" in the region. On September 17, Pakistani Prime Minister Shabaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed signed the "Joint Strategic Defense Agreement" in Riyadh. The agreement has three main points: first, it stipulates that an attack by a third party against either country will be considered "an aggression against both countries." On September 18, Pakistan's Defense Minister Asif clearly acknowledged that Saudi Arabia had been placed under its "nuclear umbrella." Second, in the field of defense industry cooperation, the two countries will carry out technology transfer, joint production of military equipment, and strengthen training and capacity building. Third, Pakistan will receive advanced weapons systems from Saudi Arabia, including the THAAD anti-missile system and the APKWS Patriot missile system. This marks that the defense cooperation between the two countries, which began in 1967, has moved from being "temporary" to comprehensive institutionalization. Commentators believe that Qatar has long paid large amounts of "protection fees" to the United States, has the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East, Udairi Air Base, and is also a U.S. ally. However, when Israel attacked Qatar, the U.S. failed to provide effective security guarantees, which made Saudi Arabia, which has long been anxious about national security, feel "the danger of losing one's lips and teeth." Analysis pointed out that after signing the agreement, the defense cooperation will be integrated into the core of the two countries' relations, and Pakistan may become a new "net security provider" in the Gulf region, which will reshape the regional balance of power and affect Saudi's relationship with India.

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1844071809547264/

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