Saudi Arabia's new Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Rajih bin Thaami Al-Baqmi formally assumed his diplomatic duties after presenting his credentials to President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday, pledging to strengthen the longstanding strategic and fraternal ties between the two countries. In a post on X, the Saudi Embassy in Islamabad said the ambassador conveyed the greetings of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman to the president, along with their wishes for Pakistan's continued progress and prosperity.

President Zardari reciprocated the greetings for the Saudi leadership and reaffirmed Pakistan's support for the kingdom and its people. He also congratulated the ambassador on assuming new responsibilities and wished him success in his assignment.

Dr Al-Baqmi thanked the president for Pakistan's positive stance towards Saudi Arabia and expressed his resolve to further strengthen the deep-rooted strategic and fraternal relations between the two countries across all fields. Also in the day, new French Ambassador Poirier presented his diplomatic credentials to President Zardari, highlighting the potential for stronger Pakistan-France relations through increased trade, investment and defence cooperation.

He also stressed the importance of parliamentary exchanges, educational partnerships, cultural links and regular high-level diplomatic engagement. The president reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to multilateralism and maintaining an independent bilateral relationship with France.

He expressed the hope that the new French ambassador would help explore further opportunities for cooperation between the two countries. Diplomatic observers view these high-level credential presentations as a significant step in reinforcing Pakistan's bilateral engagements with major international partners in the region and beyond.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed optimism that the newly appointed envoys will play a pivotal role in expanding economic, cultural and political cooperation during their respective tenures in Islamabad. Both diplomatic missions have reiterated their commitment to facilitating citizens of both nations and working closely with Pakistani authorities to foster mutual understanding and lasting friendship.