ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia’s Defence Minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud, received Pakistan’s highest civilian honor, “Nishan-e-Pakistan,” from President Asif Ali Zardari on Saturday.
The Saudi dignitary, who was also the chief guest at the Pakistan Day parade, was honored for his “services to Pakistan and its people, enhancing defense cooperation, strengthening bilateral ties, and contributions to regional peace efforts.”
The ceremony, conducted at Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad, was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, and other top officials.
According to the Saudi embassy website, Prince Khalid has previously held several prominent posts, including the Kingdom’s ambassador to the United States, adviser to the Saudi Embassy in Washington, and the Saudi Ministry of Defence.
The Saudi defense minister graduated from Riyadh’s King Faisal Air Academy and joined the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF), where he served as an F-15 pilot and tactical intelligence officer.
In addition to training in the United States, the dignitary attended sophisticated electronic warfare classes in France.
Earlier, The News stated that the Saudi prince will meet with President Zardari, COAS Gen Munir, and Prime Minister Shehbaz during his visit to Pakistan.
According to the magazine, Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman would also visit Pakistan after Eidul Fitr at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz.
