By Mashal Khan 

ISLAMABAD: The Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman was conferred the King Abdulaziz Medal, the highest medal of the Kingdom to Pakistani Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa for making "significant contributions in defence cooperation" between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, the Inter-Services Public Relations said in a statement on Sunday.

The army chief visited Saudi Arabia on an official tour, ISPR said. During the visit, Gen Bajwa called on Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is also the kingdom's first deputy prime minister and defence minister and General Fayyadh Bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili, Chief of General Staff (CGS) of the Saudi Armed Forces at Jeddah, today, said the military media wing.

During the meetings, matters of mutual interests, bilateral defence and security cooperation and regional peace and stability were discussed. 

“Pakistan values its historical and brotherly relations with the Kingdom and acknowledges its unique place in the Islamic world,” said Army Chief.

Both sides agreed upon enhancing defence cooperation in the fields of Joint Training, Air Defence, Counter-terrorism and Communication / Information domain. 

They also agreed to further enhance cordial relations and deep spirit of brotherhood into enduring strategic partnership, being vital players in the region with significant responsibility towards unity of Muslim Ummah. 

Meanwhile, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated his Army Chief for receiving the highest Medal and said It is a great honour for the people and the armed forces of Pakistan.

"We consider the security of Saudi Arabia as our own and are completely resolved to further cementing our multifaceted bilateral relationship including excellent defence cooperation," Sharif tweeted.