Saudi Arabia honours Field Marshal Asim Munir with King Abdulaziz Medal

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Defence Prince Khalid bin Salman has presented the King Abdulaziz Medal of the First Class to Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Mnuir at a ceremony in Riyadh, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

According to an ISPR statement released in Rawalpindi on Monday, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, COAS and CDF, called on His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of Defence of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, during his official visit to the Kingdom.

During the meeting, both sides held discussions on matters of mutual interest, including regional security dynamics, defence and military cooperation, strategic collaboration, and evolving geopolitical challenges. The interaction reaffirmed the deep-rooted, historic, and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

Under a royal decree issued by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the King Abdulaziz Medal of Excellent Class, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s highest national honour, was also conferred upon the Field Marshal.

The honour recognizes Field Marshal Asim Munir’s distinguished military service and leadership, as well as his central role in advancing defence cooperation, strategic coordination, and institutional linkages between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. It also reflects his contributions toward regional peace and stability, including sustained collaboration in counter-terrorism and security.

The Saudi leadership conveyed its appreciation for Field Marshal Asim Munir’s professionalism and strategic outlook, noting his commitment to strengthening the longstanding, brotherly ties between the two countries

Field Marshal Asim Munir expressed gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Saudi leadership for the honour, 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 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 ISPR statement concluded.

According to Saudi Press Agency, Field Marshal Asim Munir was given the award following a royal order from King Salman.

The medal recognizes Field Marshal Munir’s distinguished efforts in strengthening Saudi-Pakistani friendship, advancing joint cooperation and developing relations between the two countries, the SPA reported on Sunday. 

“Prince Khalid congratulated Field Marshal Munir on his appointment as Pakistan’s chief of defence forces, wishing him continued success in his new role,” the SPA report added.

Their meeting included a review of historical ties, strategic defence cooperation between the two countries, and discussions on promoting international peace and security.

Attendees from the Saudi side included Deputy Minister of Defence Prince Abdulrahman bin Mohammed bin Ayyaf, Chief of the General Staff Lieutenant General Fayyad bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili, and senior defence officials. 

Upon the directive of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, I presented Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, with the King Abdulaziz Medal of Excellent Class for his distinguished efforts to enhance our cooperation and advance the Saudi-Pakistani relations. pic.twitter.com/bWHL08TKuz

— Khalid bin Salman خالد بن سلمان (@kbsalsaud) December 21, 2025

The Pakistani delegation was led by Ambassador Ahmed Farooq, alongside senior military officials including Major General Muhammad Jawad Tariq and Brigadier General Mohsin Javed.

Separately, in a post on the social media platform X, the Saudi defence minister said, “Upon the directive of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, I presented Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir with the King Abdulaziz Medal of Excellent Class for his distinguished efforts to enhance our cooperation and advance the Saudi-Pakistani relations.”

During the meeting, I congratulated him on his appointment as Chief of Defense Forces and reviewed our historical relations and strategic defense cooperation. We also discussed efforts to promote international peace and security, as well as other topics of mutual interest. pic.twitter.com/M82W8BbYst

— Khalid bin Salman خالد بن سلمان (@kbsalsaud) December 21, 2025

According to the Saudi Gazette, the medal has five classes; excellent, first, second, third, and fourth. It is awarded usually to those who have rendered outstanding services to Saudi Arabia or one of its institutions.

Earlier this year, Islamabad and Riyadh had sealed Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, pledging that any attack on either nation would be treated as an act of aggression against both.

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In November, the Saudi armed forces chief had relayed the kingdom’s desire to elevate its defence and strategic partnership with Pakistan to new heights.

Reporters Ahmad Mansoor and Anwer Abbas/Agencies