Pakistan’s top military commander meets Saudi Defense Minister, discusses evolving geopolitical challenges
Chief of Pakistan Defense Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, has been awarded Saudi Arabia’s highest national honour, the King Abdulaziz Medal of Excellence.
In a statement issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media arm of the military, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir met Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud during an official visit to the Kingdom.
Photo: ISPR
The two leaders discussed issues of common interest during the meeting, including the regional security situation, defense and military cooperation, strategic collaboration and evolving geopolitical challenges. “The interaction reaffirmed the deep-rooted, historical and fraternal relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia,” the statement read.
Field Marshal Munir was awarded Saudi Arabia’s highest national honor, under a royal decree issued by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, during his visit. Munir is also the recipient of the Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) and Hilal-e-Jurat.
According to the ISPR statement, “This honor recognizes the distinguished military service and leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir, his pivotal role in advancing defense cooperation, strategic coordination and institutional ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, and his contributions to regional peace and stability, including sustained counter-terrorism and security collaboration.”
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Saudi leaders praised Field Marshal Munir’s professional abilities and strategic vision, as well as his commitment to promoting the long-standing brotherly relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
Munir expressed his gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Saudi leadership for this honor. The ISPR said this reflects the enduring ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to the security, stability and prosperity of the Kingdom.
“The presentation of the King Abdulaziz Medal of Excellence highlights the depth of relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and the shared determination of the two countries to further strengthen strategic cooperation in the pursuit of regional and global peace,” the statement read.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have a long-standing strategic and defense cooperation. On September 18, the two countries signed a “Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement,” declaring that “any aggression against either country will be considered aggression against both.”
The agreement marked an important milestone in relations between the two countries. For decades, Pakistani military trainers have served in the kingdom, while Riyadh has provided generous financial support to Islamabad in times of economic crisis.
