New Delhi, Nov. 7 -- Saudi Arabia has extended its $3 billion financial support to Pakistan for a longer period, offering Islamabad relief as it grapples with external debt repayments and pressure on its foreign exchange reserves.

The rollover also underscores the growing closeness between the two countries, whose relationship has recently expanded beyond financial assistance to defence and regional security cooperation.

Pakistan Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb confirmed the extension on Wednesday, saying Riyadh had agreed to keep the financing in place for a "reasonable period", without specifying a new maturity date.

"It has been extended and for a reasonable period. You don't need to worry as to for how long given the kind of st...