Global Leaders Reaffirm Ties on Saudi Arabia's 96th National Day

Global leaders and governments marked the 96th National Day of Saudi Arabia on September 23, 2026, with a series of diplomatic messages emphasizing security and economic cooperation. The Government of Saudi Arabia received congratulations from the United States, Pakistan, and Azerbaijan, highlighting a period of deepening strategic alliances.

Pakistan's leadership reaffirmed strong military ties, with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif citing the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement and the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement as pillars of regional stability. Prime Minister Sharif specifically condemned recent Houthi drone attacks on Makkah, while the Inter-Services Public Relations pledged that Pakistan's armed forces would defend the kingdom physically and diplomatically. This commitment is reinforced by the Makkah Defence Alliance, a pact between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye stating that an attack on one is an attack on all.

Simultaneously, the United States highlighted a deepening partnership under President Donald Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, focusing on civil nuclear cooperation, defense, and increased Saudi investments in the U.S. Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev also sent congratulations, noting expanding cooperation with ACWA Power in renewable energy and mutual support within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.