ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari Saturday conferred Pakistan's highest civilian award "Nishan-e-Pakistan" on Saudi Arabia's Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud.
The Saudi dignitary, who was also the chief guest for the Pakistan Day parade, was awarded for his "services for Pakistan and its people, enhancing defence cooperation, strengthening of bilateral ties and contributions towards peace efforts in the region".
The ceremony, held at Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad, was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and other senior officials.
Prince Khalid, as per the Saudi embassy website, has served on various key positions previously including the Kingdom's ambassador to the United States, adviser to the Saudi Embassy in Washington and at the Saudi Ministry of Defence.
Graduating from Riyadh'sKing Faisal Air Academy, the Saudi defence minister joined the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) and has served as an F-15 pilot and tactical intelligence officer.
Apart from training in the US, the dignitary has also studiedadvanced electronic warfare in France.
Earlier, The News reported that the Saudi prince is scheduled to hold meetings with President Zardari, COAS Gen Munir, PM Shehbaz during his stay in Pakistan.
Sources told the publication that Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman will also visit Pakistan after Eidul Fitr on the invitation of PM Shehbaz.
Prince Khalid's visit comes days after Gen Munirheld a meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulazizduring an official visit to the Gulf kingdom.
During the meetingWide-ranging issues of mutual interest, including regional peace and security, bilateral defence and security cooperation came under discussion, theInter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) had reported.