Saudi Arabia names new envoy to Pakistan

Saudi Arabia has appointed Dr Rajeh bin Tami Al-Baqami as its new ambassador to Pakistan, replacing Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki.

Saudi Arabia has appointed Dr Rajeh bin Tami Al-Baqami as its new ambassador to Pakistan, replacing Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki.

The appointment comes as Pakistan and Saudi Arabia continue to strengthen their longstanding partnership in defence, investment, trade and regional security.

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Al-Baqami was among eight newly appointed ambassadors who recently took the oath of office.

The ministry shared photographs of the newly appointed envoys and said they had been sworn in on behalf of the Saudi leadership.

Al-Baqami brings both military and diplomatic experience to his new position. He previously served as a major general in the Saudi armed forces before joining the Foreign Ministry at ambassadorial rank.

He holds a doctorate in Human Resource Management from Brunel University London.

His appointment comes at a time when Islamabad and Riyadh are expanding their strategic cooperation.

The two countries recently formalised their defence partnership through a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement. Under the agreement, aggression against either country is considered an attack on both, further strengthening their long-standing military relationship.

Economic cooperation has also become an important part of bilateral ties.

Saudi Arabia has pledged major investments in Pakistan under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 programme. Riyadh has also provided financial assistance to Pakistan during periods of economic and balance-of-payments pressure.

Saudi Arabia remains an important source of oil supplies for Pakistan, including arrangements involving deferred payments.

The kingdom has also supported Pakistan’s foreign exchange position through deposits with the State Bank of Pakistan.

Relations between the two countries have gained further momentum amid changing regional security dynamics.

Islamabad and Riyadh have maintained close consultations on regional developments, including tensions involving Iran.

Pakistan has also provided military support to Saudi Arabia during periods of heightened security concerns in the region.

Al-Baqami succeeds Al-Malki, who served as Saudi ambassador during a period of expanding political, defence and economic cooperation between the two countries.

His arrival is expected to provide further momentum to bilateral engagement and strengthen coordination between Islamabad and Riyadh.