RIYADH, Jan 16: Former Pakistani naval chief, who is currently serving as his country's ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Admiral Abdul Aziz Mirza, was decorated with rank of Chevalier of the Legion of Honour by the government of France here during a ceremony on Tuesday.

Bernard Poletti, Ambassador of France, decorated the rank on behalf of the president of France in recognition of his contribution in the enhancement of cooperation between the navies of Pakistan and France.

The ceremony was attended by Pakistani and French diplomats, dignitaries of both the communities and a large number of ambassadors from diplomatic corps.

French government expressed profound gratitude for the enhanced cooperation in construction of AGOSTA-90B which was completed by Pakistan with French collaboration and second out of three submarines was commissioned in Pakistan Navy last month.