President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday conferred the Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military), one of Pakistan’s highest military honours, on Saudi Naval Chief Vice Admiral, Mohammad Bin Abdul Rehman Al-Ghoraibi in recognition of his outstanding efforts to strengthen naval and defence cooperation between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The award was conferred at a special investiture ceremony held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, which was attended by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan, Nawaf Bin Saeed Al Malki, and senior officers from the Pakistan Armed Forces.

Following the ceremony, the Chief of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces called on the President, a Presidency’s news release said.

The President congratulated Vice Admiral Al Ghoraibi on receiving the award and acknowledged his efforts in promoting cooperation between the navies of the two brotherly nations. The meeting was also attended by the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Nawaf Saeed Al-Malkiy.

The President highlighted that Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with Saudi Arabia, adding that the people and government of Pakistan deeply appreciate the Kingdom’s support during challenging times.

Expressing satisfaction over the ongoing engagements between the Pakistan Navy and the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, the President called for further enhancement of navy-to-navy collaboration. He appreciated the participation of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces in Exercise AMAN-25 and AMAN Dialogue-25, held in February 2025, noting that such joint activities contribute to promoting maritime cooperation and mutual understanding.

The President also praised the vision of Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, which he said is steering the Kingdom towards transformation, progress, and long-term prosperity.

He expressed appreciation for the trust placed by the Royal Saudi Naval Forces in the Pakistan Navy’s training system and emphasized the importance of expanding training cooperation between the two navies.

The President asked the Vice Admiral Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al Ghoraibi to convey his warm greetings and best wishes to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, reaffirming Pakistan’s strong bond with Saudi Arabia.