Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman has awarded army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa with King Abdulaziz Medal for making “significant contributions in defence cooperation” between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
The army chief visited Saudi Arabia on an official tour, during which he called on Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and General Fayyadh Bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili, Chief of General Staff (CGS) of the Saudi Armed Forces at Jeddah.
During the meeting, topics of shared interest, bilateral defence and security cooperation, and regional peace and stability were discussed.
As per the ISPR, the COAS said that Pakistan “values its historical and brotherly relations with the Kingdom and acknowledges its unique place in the Islamic world”.
Both sides agreed upon enhancing defence cooperation in the fields of joint training, air defence, counter-terrorism and communication and information domain.
“They also agreed to further enhance cordial relations and deep spirit of brotherhood into an enduring strategic partnership, being vital players in the region with significant responsibility towards the unity of Ummah,” ISPR said.
Meanwhile, Arab News, quoting a Saudi news agency, also reported that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is also the kingdom’s first deputy prime minister and defence minister, honoured the army chief with the award in appreciation of his distinguished efforts in strengthening and developing Saudi-Pakistani relations.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the army chief for receiving the honour and said it was a great honour for the people and the armed forces of Pakistan.
“Heartiest congratulations to Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa on conferment of King Abdulaziz Medal for his contributions to strengthening defence ties between our two brotherly countries. It is a great honour for the people and the armed forces of Pakistan,” he mentioned.
“We consider the security of Saudi Arabia as our own and are completely resolved to further cementing our multifaceted bilateral relationship including excellent defence cooperation,” the PM added.
