General Qamar Javed Bajwa has received the King Abdulaziz Medal from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman for his “significant contributions in defence cooperation” between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, according to a statement released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Sunday.
During his official visit to Saudi Arabia, the army chief met with General Fayyadh Bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili, the CGS of the Saudi Armed Forces in Jeddah, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
During the meeting, topics of shared interest, bilateral defence and security cooperation, and regional peace and stability were discussed.
The COAS stated that Pakistan “values its historical and brotherly relations with the Kingdom and acknowledges its unique place in the Islamic world,” according to the ISPR.
The enhancement of defence cooperation in the areas of joint training, air defence, counterterrorism, and communication and information domain was agreed upon by both parties.
“They also agreed to further enhance cordial relations and deep spirit of brotherhood into enduring strategic partnership, being vital players in the region with significant responsibility towards unity of Ummah,” ISPR said.
Arab News, citing a Saudi news agency, also reported that the award was given to the army chief in recognition of his outstanding efforts to strengthen and develop Saudi-Pakistani relations by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is also the kingdom’s first deputy prime minister and defence minister.
Prince Mohammed awarded Gen. Qamar the King Abdulaziz Medal of Excellent Class for his “distinguished efforts in consolidating and strengthening bonds of friendship and joint cooperation and developing Saudi-Pakistani relations,” according to the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
According to the SPA report, Prince Mohammed welcomed Gen. Bajwa and they had a meeting to discuss a number of topics.
“In implementation of the order of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, HRH the Crown Prince decorated the Commander of the Pakistani Army with King Abdulaziz Medal of Excellent Class in recognition of his distinguished efforts in consolidating and strengthening bonds of friendship and joint cooperation and developing Saudi-Pakistani relations,” the SPA said.
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