Abstract
Historically, based on shared values of culture and religion, Pakistan's relations with Saudi Arabia have become increasingly complex over time. This has occurred in the backdrop of important geopolitical and economic shifts in the region, leading to a new dynamic equilibrium in the Pak-Saudi bilateral ties. Strong relations with Riyadh have become a crucial element of Pakistan's overall foreign policy, given the latter's intermittent economic support by the former, which underscores the significance of the Kingdom; however, deepening Indo-Saudi ties can also not be overlooked or underestimated. This paper gives an overview of ever-evolving Pak-Saudi ties, while taking into consideration current dynamics of the Kingdom's role in the Middle East and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries as well as in the South Asian region.
Highlights
Pakistan is situated on the crossroads of Asia, which uniquely positions the country at the confluence of multiple regions of Asia, i.e., the Middle East, Central Asia, and East Asia as well as the South Asian region
This makes Pakistan’s foreign policy calculations more dynamic and stressful as it looks to maintain a fair balance in its relationship with different Middle East countries, especially Saudi Arabia and Iran, while striving to protect its economic, regional and national interests
Political changes in the region and Pakistan’s growing economic problems have added new complexities into this relationship whereby Saudi Arabia has become increasingly important for Pakistan in strategic terms
Summary
Pakistan is situated on the crossroads of Asia, which uniquely positions the country at the confluence of multiple regions of Asia, i.e., the Middle East, Central Asia, and East Asia as well as the South Asian region This interregional integration has led to the development of a multiregional outlook in Pakistan’s foreign policy that has gradually become more complex. This makes Pakistan’s foreign policy calculations more dynamic and stressful as it looks to maintain a fair balance in its relationship with different Middle East countries, especially Saudi Arabia and Iran, while striving to protect its economic, regional and national interests.
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