ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday received the credentials of the Ambassador-designate of Saudi Arabia, Dr Rajeh Tami Albugamy, and France, Jean-Noël Poirier, at the President’s House.
The President felicitated both ambassadors on their appointments and wished them success in their diplomatic assignments. He expressed confidence that they would help strengthen the country’s relations with their respective countries and expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
In his meeting with the Ambassador-designate of Saudi Arabia, Dr. Rajeh Tami Albugamy, the President underscored the close strategic partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the Kingdom’s security and defence.
He highlighted the importance of the Makkah Alliance for Defence and the institutional mechanisms underpinning bilateral cooperation.
Signed in Makkah on August 7, 2026, the pact established a framework for collective deterrence and defence cooperation. Under its provisions, an armed attack on one member would be treated as an attack on all three.
The three countries already maintain extensive military ties. Pakistan has provided training and technical assistance to Saudi forces for decades, while Islamabad and Ankara have developed close defence links through military training, naval cooperation and defence equipment.
President Receives Credentials from Ambassadors of France and Saudi Arabia
President Asif Ali Zardari today received the credentials of the Ambassador-designate of France, Jean-Noël Poirier and the Ambassador-designate of Saudi Arabia, Dr Rajeh Tami Albugamy, at Aiwan-e-Sadr, Islamabad.
The President felicitated both ambassadors on their appointments and wished them success in their diplomatic assignments. He expressed confidence that they would contribute to strengthening Pakistan’s relations with their respective countries and expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
During his meeting with Ambassador-designate of France, Jean-Noël Poirier, the President reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its longstanding relations with France through regular dialogue and broader cooperation. He emphasised the importance of multilateralism, regular high-level exchanges and an independent bilateral relationship.
The President highlighted opportunities to enhance trade, investment, parliamentary exchanges, educational and cultural links, and defence cooperation.
In his meeting with Ambassador-designate of Saudi Arabia, Dr. Rajeh Tami Albugamy, the President underscored the close strategic partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the Kingdom’s security and defence. He highlighted the importance of the Makkah Alliance for Defence and the institutional mechanisms underpinning bilateral cooperation. The President also emphasised the need to deepen economic ties, appreciated Saudi Arabia’s financial support and assistance with oil supplies, and highlighted the contribution of the Pakistani community in the Kingdom. He expressed confidence that relations between the two countries would reach new heights during the ambassador’s tenure.
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) October 14, 2026
The President also emphasised the need to deepen economic ties, appreciated Saudi Arabia’s financial support and assistance with oil supplies, and highlighted the contribution of the Pakistani community in the Kingdom.
He expressed confidence that relations between the two countries would reach new heights during the ambassador’s tenure.
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During his meeting with Ambassador-designate of France, Jean-Noël Poirier, the President reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its longstanding relations with France through regular dialogue and broader cooperation.
He emphasised the importance of multilateralism, regular high-level exchanges and an independent bilateral relationship.
The President highlighted opportunities to enhance trade, investment, parliamentary exchanges, educational and cultural links, and defence cooperation.
