The Minister of Defence, Prince Khalid bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, conferred the King Abdul Aziz Medal of the First Class to Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Sunday in a ceremony held in his office in Riyadh. The Saudi Presidency reported that the Munir was awarded the following medal on the Royal Honourable Orders from the Saudi Arabia’s King Salman.
The medal is being conferred in recognition of Munir’s distinguished effort in strengthening Saudi-Pakistani friendship and advancing and supporting joint cooperation and developed 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 met Prince Khalid reviewing the historical ties, strategic defence cooperation between the two countries, and discussions on promoting international peace and security. Pakistan’s military media wing said that the award also reflects Munir’s contributions towards 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.
The Inter-Services Public Relations of Pakistan’s military media wing also released a statement on behalf of Asim Munir in which he expressed gratitude to the Saudi leadership for the honour, describing it as a reflection of the enduring bonds between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
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.https://t.co/vkdUOh3x61#SPAGOV pic.twitter.com/XwQwBwuYbJ
— SPAENG (@Spa_Eng) December 21, 2025
“He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the security, stability and prosperity of the Kingdom,” the ISPR said.
Read more: Saudi Arabia and Pakistan Seal Historic Mutual Defence Pact
In September, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had signed a formal mutual defence pact in a move that significantly strengthened the decades-long security partnership amid the heightened regional tension.
The defence pact came in the backdrop of the increasing insecurity, increasing fear among Gulf Arab states regarding the reliability of the US as their longstanding security guarantor. The concerns were heightened by the Israel’s attack in Qatar’s capital Doha on the Hamas officials.
Israel had attempted to kill the political leaders of Hamas with airstrikes on Doha while they were discussing a ceasefire proposal that Qatar was helping to mediate.