Islamabad (GNP): President Asif Ali Zardari has commended Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Nawaf bin Said Al-Malkiy, for his contribution to reinforcing the deep-rooted, strategic bond between the two countries.
The President made these remarks during a farewell meeting with Ambassador Al-Malkiy at Aiwan-e-Sadr.
He thanked the envoy for his years of committed service and for the warmth, friendship, and cooperation he brought to Pakistan throughout his posting, noting that the ambassador had been instrumental in moving bilateral relations forward, especially in the political, economic, and trade domains.
President Zardari reaffirmed that Pakistan places great value on its enduring friendship and strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia, and voiced gratitude for the Kingdom’s consistent support. He added that he was confident the groundwork built during Ambassador Al-Malkiy’s tenure would continue to shape and strengthen bilateral ties going forward.
Ambassador Al-Malkiy, who has represented Saudi Arabia in Pakistan since 2017, expressed his gratitude to the President as well as the government and people of Pakistan for the hospitality shown to him during his time in the country. He said he would always hold Pakistan and its people in high esteem.
In turn, the President wished the ambassador well in his future pursuits, telling him that Pakistan would always be considered his second home. Senator Sherry Rehman was also in attendance at the meeting.
Al-Malkiy served as Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Pakistan across the 2017–2026 period. Born in Riyadh in 1970, he holds a bachelor’s degree in military and marine sciences from King Fahd Naval Academy — the Royal Saudi Navy’s principal training institution, based at King Abdul Aziz Naval Base in Jubail — along with a master’s degree from a Command and Staff College.
Before moving into diplomacy, he built a career within the Royal Saudi Navy, rising through the ranks to reach rear admiral. In 2014, he took up the post of military attaché at the Saudi Embassy in Islamabad. Regarded as a highly capable naval officer, he ultimately retired from active service to take on his ambassadorial role in Pakistan.
The News International, a Pakistani daily, has noted that the ambassador built a strong familiarity with Pakistan’s affairs during his tenure and became well-liked locally for his courteous, easygoing manner.
At a separate meeting with Senate Chairman Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani in Islamabad on Friday, Al-Malkiy announced that Saudi Arabia would offer 50 scholarships to Pakistani students to pursue studies at Saudi universities, with the Saudi government covering the full cost of tuition and accommodation. He indicated that the number of scholarships would double the following year.
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The ambassador emphasized that Saudi Arabia places high importance on its relationship with Pakistan and its people, and pledged that the Kingdom would continue to stand by Pakistan with assistance and support wherever needed.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
