ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Thursday discussed maritime security in the region, the Pakistani Navy said.
The kingdom's envoy, Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, visited Pakistani Navy chief Adm. Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi at the naval forces headquarters in Islamabad. They also discussed "matters of mutual interest" and bilateral collaboration, according to the navy's statement.
The two countries enjoy deep-rooted defense ties.
Commander of the Royal Saudi Navy, Adm. Fahad bin Abdullah Al-Ghofaily in 2018 received Pakistan’s Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Order of Excellence), which is awarded to civilians and military personnel for the highest degree of service to the state and international diplomacy.
Also in 2018, the then Pakistani Navy chief, Adm. Zafar Mahmood Abbasi, was awarded the prestigious King Abdul Aziz Medal of Excellence by the Royal Saudi Armed Forces.
Saudi navy officers are among graduates of Pakistan's naval academy in Karachi.
Pakistan’s navy had been providing training to Saudi officers and sailors during the Saudi navy’s formative period between the 1970’s and 80’s.
Officers trained by the Pakistan navy are considered some of the most professional in the world.
