Islamabad, Dec 23: Saudi Arabia on Sunday awarded the King Abdulaziz Medal, the Kingdom’s highest civilian honor, to Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, underscoring deepening strategic and defense ties between the two countries.
The award was presented in Riyadh by Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman following a royal order from King Salman, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. Saudi officials said the medal recognizes Munir’s distinguished efforts to strengthen Saudi-Pakistani relations and advance joint cooperation.
Pakistan’s military said the honor reflects the depth of bilateral ties and a shared commitment to enhancing strategic cooperation for regional and global peace.
During meetings, both sides reviewed historical relations, defense and security cooperation, counterterrorism efforts, and regional challenges, reaffirming closer strategic coordination. Saudi leaders praised Munir’s professionalism and leadership, while he expressed gratitude for the honor and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to Saudi Arabia’s security, stability, and the protection of Islam’s holy sites in Mecca and Medina.
The award follows a defense pact signed earlier this year between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Munir’s visit is his first foreign tour since becoming Pakistan’s Chief of Defense Forces.
Senior Saudi defense officials attended the ceremony, while the Pakistani delegation was led by Ambassador Ahmed Farooq. Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have shared close economic, religious, and security ties for decades, with Riyadh providing financial support to Islamabad during periods of economic stress.
