The appointment comes amid a growing strategic alignment between Islamabad and Riyadh with growing defense, economic ties
The photo shows the newly appointed Saudi ambassador to Pakistan, Rajeh bin Tami Al-Baqami — FILE PHOTO
On Wednesday, Saudi Arabia appointed Dr. Rajeh bin Tami Al-Baqami to his new ambassador to Pakistan, replacing Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, Arabic news reported, as the two long-time allies deepen cooperation in defense, investment and regional security.
According to the Saudi Foreign Ministry, Al-Baqami was among eight newly appointed envoys who took the oath of office this week.
“On behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and before His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, the newly appointed ambassadors to several fraternal and friendly countries took the oath,” the ministry said in a statement on Tuesday, sharing photographs of the diplomats, including the new envoy to Pakistan.
A retired major general, Al-Baqami later joined the Saudi Foreign Ministry with the rank of ambassador. He holds a PhD in Human Resource Management from Brunel University London.
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His appointment comes amid a growing strategic alignment between Islamabad and Riyadh. Less than a year ago, the two countries signed a strategic mutual defense agreement under which aggression against one would be considered an attack on both, formalizing decades of military cooperation.
Saudi Arabia has also expanded economic engagement with Pakistan, pledging billions of dollars in investment under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 initiative, while continuing to provide financial support to help stabilize Pakistan’s economy amid recurring balance of payments challenges.
Riyadh remains one of Pakistan’s largest sources of deferred payment oil and has repeatedly placed deposits with the State Bank of Pakistan to shore up foreign exchange reserves.
Bilateral ties have further strengthened in recent months as both countries coordinate closely on regional security issues, including tensions involving Iran. Pakistan also deployed military assets to Saudi Arabia earlier this year after heightened security concerns in the Kingdom, according to a Reuters report.
Al-Baqami succeeds Al-Malki, who served as Saudi Ambassador during a period marked by increased political engagement, increased security cooperation and growing Saudi investment in Pakistan.
