ISLAMABAD - President Asif Ali Zardari on Saturday conferred Nishan-i-Pakistan award on Minister for Defence Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, in a Special Investiture ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr. The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, federal ministers, military top brass and members of the diplomatic corps.
The award was conferred in recognition of Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud’s meritorious services for Pakistan and its people, enhancing defence cooperation, strengthening of bilateral ties and contributions towards peace efforts in the region. Saudi Arabia’s Minister for Defence Prince Khalid Bin Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif here on Saturday and discussed regional matters and cooperation in defence.
Minister for Defence Khawaja Asif and Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir also attended the meeting held here at the PM House.
During the meeting, the two sides held an in-depth discussion on bilateral matters. Issues related to regional peace, security and situation in the region also came under discussion.
The Prime Minister and Saudi Defence Minister exchanged views on increasing cooperation between the two countries in the areas of defence and security.
He congratulated the Defence Minister on receiving Pakistan’s highest civil award Nishan-e-Pakistan and thanked him for attending the Pakistan Day Parade as the chief guest.
PM Sharif requested the Saudi dignitary to convey his best wishes and immense gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques His Majesty King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Al Saud. He said Pakistan was looking forward to the visit of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. The Prime Minister underlined that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had close brotherly ties based on the common religion, history and culture, which were further strengthening with the passage of time.
Pakistan, he said, greatly valued its relations with Saudi Arabia, adding that Saudi Arabia fully supported Pakistan through thick and thin.
Sharif said during his previous tenure as a prime minister, Saudi Arabia played a critical role in improving the economic condition of Pakistan. The people of Pakistan have a special place in their hearts for the Saudi royal family, he added. About the Special Investment Facilitation Council, the Prime Minister said ‘one window operation’ was created for the investors through the establishment of the council, which would facilitate business activities and investment. He said that immense opportunities were present in Pakistan in different fields including agriculture, livestock, information technology, mining, renewable energy, etc. The Prime Minister also underlined the need for further cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in the fields of defence and economy. The Saudi Defence Minister felicitated the Prime Minister on assuming his office and expressed best wishes for him. He thanked Pakistan for inviting him as a chief guest for the Pakistan Day parade and said he had the opportunity to witness the best capabilities of the Armed Forces of Pakistan during the parade.
He mentioned that the recent visit of Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir to Saudi Arabia was very important and fruitful to further promote defence relations between the two countries. Minister of Defence, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on Saturday attended the Pakistan Day Parade and thanked Army Chief, General Syed Asim Munir for inviting him as Guest of Honour at the occasion. The Minister of Defence of Saudi Arabia received a warm welcome on his arrival at Noor Khan Air Base specially participated in the Joint Services Pakistan Day Parade of the Armed Forces as Guest of Honour, an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) news release said. Upon arrival at the Parade, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir welcomed Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.