Chief of Army Staff General (COAS) Qamar Javed Bajwa on Wednesday received the “Order of the Union” award – UAE’s highest civil award – at a ceremony held in Abu Dhabi.
According to the ISPR, UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed conferred the medal upon COAS for making significant contributions to furthering bilateral ties between the countries.
Interestingly, the rare honor has been bestowed to King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia, President Xi Jinping of China, former US President George Bush, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and other prominent GCC and international figures.
Read more: COAS Bajwa to attend UK military’s passing out parade as chief guest
Furthermore, the two leaders discussed a variety of recent regional and global issues and matters of mutual concern. They agreed that Pakistan and UAE share a great history of cordial relations and a deep-rooted spirit of brotherhood which is transforming into an enduring partnership.
… and deep rooted spirit of brotherhood which is transforming into an enduring partnership. COAS was conferred upon Order of the Union Medal by President of UAE for making significant contributions in furthering bilateral ties between both the countries. (2/2) pic.twitter.com/ew8lwO8jm6
— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) August 17, 2022
Gen Bajwa awarded highest Saudi honour
In June, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman awarded army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa with King Abdulaziz Medal for making “significant contributions in defense cooperation” between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
To clarify, the Order of King Abdulaziz, named after Saudi Arabia’s founding King Abdulaziz Al Saud, is considered the highest civilian honor in the kingdom.
The army chief visited Saudi Arabia on an official tour. Matters of mutual interest, bilateral defense and security cooperation, and regional peace and stability came into discussion. Both sides agreed upon enhancing defense cooperation in the fields of joint training, air defense, counter-terrorism, and communication and information domain.
Read more: Saudi Crown Prince awards King Abdulaziz Medal to COAS Gen Bajwa
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is also the kingdom’s first deputy prime minister and defense minister, honored the army chief with the award in appreciation of his distinguished efforts in strengthening and developing Saudi-Pakistani relations.
Shortly afterward, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the army chief for receiving the honor. Taking to Twitter, the prime minister said it was a great honor for the people and the armed forces of Pakistan.