Saudi Arabia has conferred its highest national honour, the King Abdulaziz Medal of Excellence Class, on Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Field Marshal Asim Munir, in recognition of his role in strengthening defence ties and strategic cooperation between the two brotherly nations.
According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Monday, the prestigious award was granted under a royal decree by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The honour reflects Saudi Arabia’s appreciation of Field Marshal Munir’s military leadership, professionalism, and sustained efforts to enhance bilateral defence collaboration.
During an official visit to the kingdom, Field Marshal Munir met Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The high-level engagement focused on regional security dynamics, evolving geopolitical challenges, and matters of mutual strategic interest. Both sides reviewed ongoing defence and military cooperation and explored avenues to further deepen institutional and strategic linkages.
The ISPR said the interaction reaffirmed the deep-rooted, historic, and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, underscoring a shared commitment to regional peace and stability. Discussions also highlighted coordination on counter-terrorism efforts and security cooperation, areas where both countries have maintained close collaboration over the years.
The King Abdulaziz Medal of Excellent Class is regarded as Saudi Arabia’s highest national honour, awarded to individuals who have rendered exceptional services in strengthening relations with the kingdom or contributed significantly to peace, security, and cooperation. In Field Marshal Munir’s case, the award recognises his leadership role in advancing defence cooperation, strategic coordination, and long-term military-to-military engagement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi leadership, according to the military’s media wing, conveyed its appreciation for Field Marshal Munir’s strategic vision and commitment to enhancing bilateral ties. His approach to defence diplomacy and regional security was noted as a key factor in reinforcing trust and collaboration between the two armed forces.
Field Marshal Munir expressed his gratitude to King Salman and the Saudi leadership for the honour, describing it as a symbol of the enduring bonds between the two nations. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to Saudi Arabia’s security, stability, and prosperity, and reiterated Islamabad’s desire to further strengthen defence and strategic cooperation.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia share a long history of close diplomatic, military, and economic relations. Defence collaboration has remained a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship, encompassing training, joint exercises, intelligence sharing, and coordination on regional security matters. The latest recognition further highlights the strategic importance both countries place on their partnership amid a complex regional and global security environment.
The award is widely seen as a reflection of mutual trust and alignment on key security issues, as well as Pakistan’s continued role as a significant defence partner for Saudi Arabia in the broader Middle East and South Asian region.
