Pakistan and Kuwait have signed a new defence agreement aimed at significantly enhancing bilateral military cooperation.

The accord, titled Protocol Agreement-2026, was formalised during a meeting between Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Kuwaiti Defence Minister Sheikh Abdullah Ali Al-Sabah at the Ministry of Defence in Rawalpindi.

The Kuwaiti delegation was accompanied by Lieutenant General Khalid Al-Shriaan, Chief of General Staff of the Kuwaiti Armed Forces. The discussions centred on matters of mutual interest, with a particular emphasis on strengthening defence relations, expanding security cooperation, and consolidating bilateral military ties.

This new protocol builds upon the Defence Cooperation Agreement-2023, creating a more comprehensive framework for collaboration. Under the latest arrangement, Pakistan’s Armed Forces will provide assistance to their Kuwaiti counterparts in diverse areas including training, capacity building, border management, and other mutually agreed fields of defence cooperation.

The official statement highlighted that the agreement reflects the deep trust, mutual respect, and shared strategic interests that underpin the longstanding defence relationship between the two nations. It was described as a step forward in reinforcing the brotherly bond between Pakistan and Kuwait.

In a separate statement, the Pakistan Army confirmed that the Kuwaiti delegation also met Field Marshal Asim Munir at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. Their discussions focused on regional security, bilateral defence cooperation, and broader matters of mutual interest.

The agreement comes at a time when Pakistan has been actively expanding its defence diplomacy across the Middle East and beyond. Kuwait, with its strategic location in the Gulf, has long been a partner in regional security initiatives.

The enhanced cooperation is expected to contribute to stability in the wider region, particularly in areas concerning border management and counter-terrorism.

Pakistan’s defence diplomacy has increasingly emphasised training and capacity building as instruments of influence. Its military institutions have historically trained officers from Gulf countries, and the new protocol is likely to expand such exchanges. Kuwait, in turn, benefits from Pakistan’s extensive experience in counter-terrorism and border security, areas of growing importance given regional instability.

The timing of the agreement also reflects Kuwait’s interest in diversifying its defence partnerships. While traditionally reliant on Western defence suppliers, Kuwait has sought to broaden its military cooperation with regional partners. Pakistan’s large military establishment, nuclear deterrence, and experience in multinational operations make it a valuable partner.

This development adds another dimension to Pakistan’s evolving defence diplomacy, which has recently included agreements with Somalia and participation in the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement alongside Saudi Arabia and Turkey. The Kuwait pact strengthens Islamabad’s footprint in the Gulf, reinforcing its role as a security provider despite economic challenges.

The Protocol Agreement-2026 thus marks a significant milestone in Pakistan-Kuwait relations, signalling a shared commitment to regional stability and defence collaboration.

It underscores the strategic importance of military partnerships in shaping the security architecture of the Gulf and South Asia.

PTI