ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman presented the King Abdulaziz Medal of the First Class to Pakistan’s Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Sunday in a ceremony at his office in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The SPA said Munir was awarded the medal following a royal order from Saudi Arabia’s King Salman. The medal recognizes Munir’s distinguished efforts in strengthening Saudi-Pakistani friendship, advancing joint cooperation and developing relations between the two countries.

“Upon the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ directive, Minister of Defense decorates Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff with King Abdulaziz Medal of Excellent Class,” the SPA wrote on social media platform X. 

Munir’s meeting with Prince Khalid featured a review of historical ties, strategic defense cooperation between the two countries and discussions on promoting international peace and security.

Pakistan military’s media wing said the award also reflects Munir’s contributions toward regional peace and stability, including sustained collaboration in counter-terrorism and security.

“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,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistan military’s media wing, said. 

Munir thanked the Saudi leadership for the honor, describing it as a “reflection of the enduring bonds between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.”

“He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the security, stability and prosperity of the Kingdom,” the ISPR said. 

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have eyed closer economic and defense ties in recent months. The two countries signed a historic strategic defense pact in September this year, according to which an attack on one country will be treated as an attack on both.

In October, Islamabad and Riyadh agreed to launch an Economic Cooperation Framework to expand bilateral trade and investment ties.