Saudi Ambassador Nawaf Al-Malkiy Bids Farewell to President Zardari; Pakistan-Saudi Ties Hailed as “Time-Tested and Strategic”

Islamabad, August 23, 2026: President Asif Ali Zardari has appreciated the contribution of Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Said Al-Malkiy to strengthening the longstanding fraternal and strategic relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

The President made these remarks during a farewell meeting with Ambassador Nawaf, who called on him at Aiwan-e-Sadr at the conclusion of his diplomatic tenure.

President Zardari praised the Ambassador for his dedicated service and for promoting friendship, warmth and cooperation between the two countries during his tenure. He particularly acknowledged his role in advancing bilateral relations in the political, economic and trade sectors.

The President said Pakistan deeply values its time-tested friendship and strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia, while appreciating the Kingdom’s continued support for Pakistan.

He expressed confidence that the strong foundation established during Ambassador Nawaf’s tenure would continue to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the years ahead.

Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malkiy, who has served as Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Pakistan since 2017, thanked President Zardari as well as the Government and people of Pakistan for the warmth and cooperation extended to him during his years in the country.

The Ambassador said he would continue to hold Pakistan and its people in high regard.

President Zardari wished Ambassador Nawaf success and the very best for his future endeavours, adding that Pakistan would always remain his second home.

Senator Sherry Rehman was also present during the meeting.

A Diplomatic Chapter Comes to an End

Ambassador Nawaf’s departure marks the conclusion of a long diplomatic chapter in Pakistan-Saudi relations. His tenure coincided with an important period in which Islamabad and Riyadh continued to deepen their political, economic and strategic partnership.

The farewell meeting also reaffirmed the enduring character of relations between the two brotherly countries—ties that extend beyond governments and diplomacy to deep historical, religious, cultural and people-to-people connections.

The message from Islamabad was clear: the ambassador may be leaving Pakistan, but the friendship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia remains firmly in place.