Special forces from Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are taking part in a joint military exercise. They have been engaged in the training since Nov. 25 in a joint counter terrorism training program at the Prince Naif Security City in Riyadh, a Pakistan military press release revealed.

The joint exercise, “Al-Shehab 2,” in which special forces of both countries are participating, is a two week long program that runs until Dec. 10, said the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), the army’s media wing.

The Pakistani contingent of 68 officers and soldiers of the country’s elite Special Services Group (SSG) are training alongside Saudi Arabia’s finest military troops and officers.

The Pak-Saudi exercise is a follow up to “Al-Shehab 1,” held last year in Pakistan. It is focused on learning from each other’s fighting forces’ experiences in the field of counter terrorism and to strengthen bilateral cooperation to benefit both nations.

“Such exercises have more of symbolic value rather than any operational significance,” retired Brigadier Saad Muhammad told Arab News.

He said both countries enjoyed good relations in many areas apart from religion.

The retired army officer added: “It conveys a message that the two countries are close allies and in case either of the two countries faces any security threat, they will come to each other’s help. The exercise will ease joint operations should the need arise