President Asif Ali Zardari conferred Pakistan’s highest military award, Nishan-e-Pakistan (Military), upon the Commander of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF), Vice Admiral Muhammad bin Abdul Rahman Al-Gharibi, during a ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr. Announcing the award on X, formerly known as Twitter, the Pakistan Peoples Party cited the Admiral’s exceptional services and prominent role in strengthening fraternal ties between the Pakistani and Saudi naval forces. High-ranking officers of Pakistan’s armed forces were present at the ceremony.

President Zardari met with Vice Admiral Al-Gharibi after the ceremony and lauded his efforts in promoting cooperation between the two navies. Saudi Ambassador Nawaf Saeed Al-Malki also attended the meeting.

The President reiterated Pakistan’s deep appreciation for its close relationship with Saudi Arabia and thanked the Kingdom for its support during challenging times.

He commended the existing cooperation between the Pakistan Navy and the RSNF and advocated for its further expansion. He particularly praised the RSNF’s participation in the joint naval exercises “AMAN-25” and “AMAN Dialogue-25” held in February 2025, and emphasized the importance of such exercises in advancing naval partnership and mutual collaboration.

President Zardari lauded the vision of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, noting its role in leading the Kingdom towards progress, economic development, and constructive change.

He also highlighted the RSNF’s confidence in the Pakistan Navy’s training programs and emphasized the significance of enhancing training partnerships between the two forces.

In conclusion, President Zardari conveyed, through Vice Admiral Al-Gharibi, good wishes to King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and reaffirmed the strong, brotherly, and longstanding relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.