President Confers Nishan-e-Pakistan on Saudi Naval Chief as Pak-KSA Naval Cooperation Strengthens

ISLAMABAD – July 22, 2025 | Diplo Insights

President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, conferred the prestigious Nishan-e-Pakistan (Military) on Vice Admiral Mohammad Bin Abdulrahman Al-Ghuraybi, Chief of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF), in a special investiture ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr. The award, one of the highest state honors, was presented in recognition of Vice Admiral Al-Ghuraybi’s dedicated efforts toward strengthening naval cooperation between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the visit of the RSNF Chief marks a key moment in bilateral military-to-military engagement, particularly in the maritime domain.

During his official visit, Vice Admiral Al-Ghuraybi called on Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Admiral Naveed Ashraf, at Naval Headquarters (NHQ), Islamabad. Upon arrival, he was warmly received by Admiral Ashraf and presented with a Guard of Honour by a smartly turned-out contingent of the Pakistan Navy. The visiting dignitary was also introduced to the Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) at NHQ.

As per the ISPR statement, the two naval chiefs held discussions on matters of mutual interest, the prevailing regional maritime security environment, and opportunities for enhanced collaboration in the fields of defense, training, and joint maritime security efforts.

Both leaders acknowledged the successful conduct of the Pakistan Navy–Royal Saudi Naval Forces bilateral exercise “Naseem Al Bahr-XV”, held earlier this year in the North Arabian Sea. The exercise demonstrated growing operational interoperability and shared maritime objectives.

Vice Admiral Al-Ghuraybi praised the Pakistan Navy’s role in promoting regional maritime peace and security, particularly through Regional Maritime Security Patrols (RMSP). He commended the professional excellence and high-quality training provided to Saudi naval cadets at the Pakistan Naval Academy (PNA) and on board PN ships, emphasizing its significant impact on the professional development of RSNF personnel.

ISPR highlighted that both sides expressed a shared resolve to further deepen bilateral naval cooperation, particularly in areas of joint training, operational collaboration, and strategic maritime partnerships.

The visit of the RSNF Chief is expected to further strengthen defense relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, and reaffirms the commitment of both brotherly nations to promoting peaceful maritime cooperation and regional stability.