A file photo of acting Pakistan President Raza Rabbani decorating Vice Admiral Abdullah S. Al-Sultan with Nishan-e-Imtiaz at a ceremony in Islamabad.

Pakistan’s move to honor Royal Saudi Naval Forces Vice Admiral Abdullah S. Al-Sultan with Nishan-e-Imtiaz, one of the top military decorations of the country, shows Saudi-Pak defense ties are growing stronger.

The timing of the award assumes significance as the Kingdom has just announced a 34-state Islamic military coalition to combat terrorism, and Pakistan has welcomed it.

The Pakistan Embassy said: “Acting President and Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani decorated the Royal Saudi Naval Forces vice-admiral with the prestigious award at a ceremony held in Islamabad on Wednesday.”

The honor by Pakistan is in recognition of joint cooperation between the two naval forces, Sardar Muhammad Khattak, head of chancery at the Embassy of Pakistan, told Arab News on Friday.

Earlier, Radio Pakistan reported that the Nishan-e-Imtiaz, or the “Order of Excellence,” was given to Vice Admiral Al-Sultan in recognition of his outstanding services at the Royal Saudi Naval Forces and his rich contribution toward bringing the naval forces of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia closer together for the safety and security in the region.

Pakistani Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah and Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Abdullah Marzouk Al Zahrani also attended the award ceremony in Islamabad.

Notably, the Kingdom enjoys close, cordial and brotherly relations with the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and the two countries have longstanding defense and security cooperation as they have held several joint military drills in the past.

Military relations between the two countries received a big boost with the two-day visit of Pakistan Army Chief Gen. Raheel Sharif last month when he met Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and other top leaders at Al-Yamamah Palace here and reviewed their “close strategic relations” signifying the joint effort of the two countries against terrorism.

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