President Mamnoon Hussain conferred Nishan-i-Quaid-e-Azam Award on the outgoing Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dr Abdulaziz bin Ibrahim bin Saleh Al-Ghadeer during a special investiture ceremony held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr on Friday. The citation read on the occasion said Ambassador Dr Abdulaziz bin Ibrahim bin Saleh Al-Ghadeer has worked tirelessly to further strengthen Pakistan-Saudi Arabia bilateral relations.
In addition to working to further bring the two countries together, he took proactive measures to enhance people-to-people contacts. His efforts were instrumental in bringing the business communities of the two countries further closer to each other that had a significant impact on increasing economic activities and trade relations between the two countries, the citation said. Ambassador Al-Ghadeer also co-ordinated activity of the Saudi Fund for Development which provided soft loans for several important development projects.
In the aftermath of 2011-2012 floods, Ambassador Al-Ghadeer played active role in co-ordinating relief assistance from the Kingdom. He personally led field campaigns and Saudi volunteer teams to participate in the provision of support and assistance to the flood affected people. His personal efforts aided in alleviating the suffering of the people of Pakistan. The campaign office working under him built schools, hospitals and rehabilitation of drinking water supplies and other important projects.
"In recognition of his long standing meritorious services to Pakistan, the President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan has been pleased to confer on His Excellency Dr Abdulaziz bin Ibrahim bin Saleh Al-Ghadeer, the award of Nishan-i-Quaid-e-Azam," the citation said.
The President while appreciating the valuable contributions of Dr Abdulaziz-Al-Ghadeer observed Pakistan highly values its brotherly ties with Saudi Arabia and desires to further strengthen them in all fields. The President wished the outgoing ambassador good health and success in his future assignments.
He also conveyed best wishes and prayers for the good health and long life of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah as well as for progress and prosperity of the people of the Kingdom. Dr Abdulaziz-Al-Ghadeer, thanked the President and the Government of Pakistan for the award and also for the support and co-operation that he had received during his tenure as Ambassador. He said he will continue to play his role in further cementing Pakistan-Saudi ties.