Jeddah, 27 June 2022 (TDI): The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) of Pakistan, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, has received the King Abdul Aziz Medal of Excellent Class from the Saudi Crown Prince and Deputy Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz.
This is a merit order that bears the name of the founder of Saudi Arabia.
The Pakistani Army Commander is currently visiting the Kingdom. As a result of the visit, the Saudi Crown Prince and the head of the Pakistani army met to discuss bilateral ties. The discussion focused on the military aspects of bilateral relations.
In addition, the two dignitaries also talked about a variety of topics of interest and the potential for fostering relationships.
The Pakistan army chief received the award in recognition of his “distinguished efforts in consolidating and strengthening bonds of friendship and joint cooperation and developing Saudi-Pakistani relations.”
The medal has also been given to a number of foreign leaders. These include Chinese President Xi Jinping, former US President Barack Obama, former French President Francois Hollande, and Egyptian President Abdelfattah el-Sisi.
Senior military and defense officials from Saudi Arabia and Pakistan were also in attendance. A citation was also read before the award was given during the formal event.
Saudi Arabia-Pakistan defense ties
During the visit, Pakistan’s Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) praised the Saudi leadership for the honor.
He said Pakistan treasured its long-standing and cordial ties with the kingdom. He continued by recognizing its distinctive position within the Islamic world.
Furthermore, both parties also agreed to increase defense cooperation in the areas of joint training.
Additionally, they will also increase cooperation in air defense, counterterrorism, and communication and information.
The two parties also decided to develop their friendly relationships and a strong sense of brotherhood into a long-lasting strategic alliance.
Moreover, this results from their important regional roles and heavy responsibility for the unity of the Muslim Ummah.
Both countries enjoy a high level of defense cooperation. Previously, in March 2022, the COAS held a meeting with the Saudi Foreign Minister.
