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- Pakistani naval chief Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi is on his first official visit to Saudi Arabia
- Visit expected to enhance cooperation between the two countries and their navies in particular
ISLAMABAD: Saudi military leaders have expressed their appreciation of Pakistan's contributions to regional peace and stability during the Pakistani naval chief's ongoing visit to Riyadh, the Pakistani Navy said on Friday.
Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi arrived in Riyadh on Monday night on his first official visit to Saudi Arabia. He will remain in the kingdom until Saturday.
According to a statement by the Pakistani Navy, he has met with Saudi Arabia’s Chief of the General Staff Gen. Fayyad bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili and the commander of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, Vice Admiral Fahd bin Abdullah Al-Ghufaili.
The photograph released by the Pakistan Navy on Jan. 22, 2021, shows Pakistani naval chief Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi, left, and commander of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, Vice Admiral Fahd bin Abdullah Al-Ghufaili, during their meeting in Riyadh. (Photo courtesy: Pakistan Navy)
"The dignitaries acknowledged brotherly relations between Pakistan & Saudi Arabia and appreciated the contributions of Pakistan in spearheading various initiatives for maintaining peace and stability in the region," the Pakistani Navy said.
Admiral Niazi has received a guard of honor upon his arrival at the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) headquarters in Riyadh, where he also visited the RSNF command and control center.
The photograph released by the Pakistan Navy on Jan. 22, 2021, shows Pakistani naval chief Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi, second left, receiving a guard of honor upon his arrival at the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) headquarters in Riyadh. (Photo courtesy: Pakistan Navy)
During his meetings with Gen. Al-Ruwaili and Vice Admiral Al-Ghufaili, "matters of mutual interest and bilateral defense ties were discussed," the Pakistani Navy said, adding that the role of Pakistan in training the RSNF was also appreciated.
"This visit is expected to greatly enhance the bilateral cooperation between both the countries in general and navies in particular," the statement read.
The Pakistani and Saudi navies have enjoyed close relations for decades. The Pakistani Navy provided training to Saudi officers and sailors during the Saudi Navy’s formative years, while Saudi Arabia has given the Pakistan Navy free-of-cost fuel on many occasions.