Islamabad: (pakistannewsnetwork) Pakistan’s top military leader, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, has received Saudi Arabia’s highest award, the King Abdulaziz Medal of Excellence.
In a statement released by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir met Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Defence, Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, on Monday during an official visit to the Kingdom.
The two leaders discussed matters of mutual interest during the meeting, including the regional security situation, defence and military cooperation, strategic collaboration, and evolving geopolitical challenges. “The interaction reaffirmed the deep-rooted, historic, and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia,” read the statement.
Field Marshal Munir was conferred Saudi Arabia’s highest national honour, under a royal decree issued by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, during the visit. Munir is also the recipient of the Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) and Hilal-e-Jurat.
According to the ISPR statement, “The honour recognises Field Marshal Asim Munir’s distinguished military service and leadership, his central role in advancing defence cooperation, strategic coordination, and institutional linkages between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, as well as his contributions toward regional peace and stability, including sustained collaboration in counter-terrorism and security.”
The Saudi leadership commended Field Marshal Munir’s professional capabilities and strategic vision, and praised his commitment to promoting the longstanding and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
Munir expressed gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Saudi leadership for the honour. ISPR said this reflects the enduring bonds between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to the security, stability, and prosperity of the Kingdom.
“The conferment of the King Abdulaziz Medal of Excellent Class underscores the depth of Pakistan–Saudi Arabia relations and the shared determination of both nations to further strengthen strategic cooperation in pursuit of regional and global peace,” read the statement.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have enjoyed a longstanding strategic and defence cooperation. On September 18, the two countries signed a landmark “Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement”, declaring that “any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both.”
The agreement marked a significant milestone in the two countries’ relationship. For decades, Pakistani military trainers have served in the kingdom, while Riyadh has extended generous financial support to Islamabad in times of economic crisis.