The appointment comes amid growing strategic alignment between Islamabad and Riyadh, with growing defense and economic ties
Pictured is new Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Rajeh bin Tami Al-Baqami — FILE PHOTO
Saudi Arabia on Wednesday appointed Dr Rajeh bin Tami Al-Baqami as its new ambassador to Pakistan, replacing Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, Arab News ” it was reported, as the two long-standing allies deepen cooperation on defense, investment and regional security.
According to the Saudi Foreign Ministry, Al-Baqami was among eight newly appointed envoys who were sworn in this week.
“In the name of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and before His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, the newly appointed ambassadors in several brotherly and friendly countries took the oath,” the ministry said in a statement on Tuesday, sharing photographs of the diplomats, including the new envoy to Pakistan.
A retired major general, Al-Baqami, later joined the Saudi Foreign Ministry with the rank of ambassador. He holds a doctorate in human resources management from Brunel University, London.
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His appointment comes against a backdrop of growing strategic alignment between Islamabad and Riyadh. Less than a year ago, the two countries signed a mutual strategic defense agreement under which an aggression against one would be considered an attack on both countries, formalizing decades of military cooperation.
Saudi Arabia has also expanded its economic engagement with Pakistan, pledging billions of dollars in investment under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 initiative, while continuing to provide financial support to help stabilize Pakistan’s economy in the face of recurring balance of payments problems.
Riyadh remains one of Pakistan’s largest sources of deferred oil and has repeatedly placed deposits with the State Bank of Pakistan to bolster its foreign exchange reserves.
Bilateral relations have further strengthened in recent months as the two countries coordinate closely on regional security issues, including tensions involving Iran. Pakistan also deployed military assets to Saudi Arabia earlier this year following heightened security concerns in the Kingdom, according to a report. Reuters report.
Al-Baqami succeeds Al-Malki, who served as Saudi ambassador during a period marked by increased political engagement, enhanced security cooperation and growing Saudi investment in Pakistan.
