Saudi Arabia’s highest national honor was conferred upon Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, during his official visit to the kingdom, Pakistan’s military said.
Under a Royal Decree issued by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Field Marshal Munir was awarded the King Abdulaziz Medal of Excellent Class, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations, the military’s media wing.
The honor recognizes Field Marshal Munir’s distinguished military service and leadership, as well as his role in advancing defense cooperation, strategic coordination and institutional linkages between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, the statement said. It also reflects his contributions toward regional peace and stability, including sustained collaboration in counterterrorism and security.
During the visit, Field Marshal Munir called on Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Defense, Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The two sides discussed matters of mutual interest, including regional security dynamics, defense and military cooperation, strategic collaboration and evolving geopolitical challenges, ISPR said.
The meeting reaffirmed what the military described as deep-rooted, historic and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
Saudi leaders conveyed their appreciation for Field Marshal Munir’s professionalism and strategic outlook, noting his commitment to strengthening longstanding ties between the two countries, according to the statement.
Field Marshal Munir expressed gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Saudi leadership for the honor, calling it a reflection of the enduring bonds between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the kingdom’s security, stability and prosperity.
Prince Khalid bin Salman said in a post on X that, upon the directive of King Salman, he presented Field Marshal Munir with the King Abdulaziz Medal of Excellent Class for his distinguished efforts to enhance cooperation and advance Saudi-Pakistani relations.
The conferment 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, ISPR further said.
Warming bilateral ties
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have in recent years emphasized closer political, military and security coordination, with both sides publicly highlighting the importance of strategic alignment amid regional and global security challenges.
Defense cooperation has been a central pillar of this engagement, with the two countries reaffirming commitments to collaboration through formal defense arrangements and sustained institutional-level contacts, reflecting a broader warming of bilateral ties.
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