Naval Chief Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi has been conferred with 'King Abdul Aziz Medal of Excellence', the highest military award of Saudi Arabia, read a statement issued by the navy's media wing.

The order of merit was presented by Chief of General Staff Royal Saudi Armed Forces General Fayyad Al Ruwaili during a ceremony attended by senior military officials of both the countries.

General Al Ruwaili acknowledged warm and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, and "appreciated the role and contribution of Pakistan in spearheading various initiatives for maintaining peace and stability in the region", read the statement issued by Pakistan Navy.

Later, the naval chief visited Royal Saudi Naval Forces Headquarter, Riyadh, where he was received by Commander Royal Saudi Naval Forces. A smartly turned out contingent of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces presented him a guard of honour.

During the meeting, Admiral Abbasi discussed "matters of mutual interest including bilateral naval collaboration and security environment in the Indian Ocean".

Both the dignitaries agreed to further enhance the interaction between both navies in diverse fields of training, mutual visits and defence collaboration.

Admiral Abbasi is on an official visit to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the invitation of Commander Royal Saudi Naval Forces.