Saudi Arabia on Wednesday appointed Dr Rajeh bin Tami Al-Baqami as its new ambassador to Pakistan, replacing Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, Arab News reported, as the two longstanding allies deepen cooperation in defence, investment and regional security.

According to the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 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 brotherly 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 doctorate in Human Resource Management from Brunel University London.

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His appointment comes amid growing strategic alignment between Islamabad and Riyadh. Less than a year ago, the two countries signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement under which aggression against one would be considered an attack on both, formalising 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 stabilise Pakistan’s economy during recurring balance-of-payments challenges.

Riyadh remains one of Pakistan’s largest sources of oil on deferred payment and has repeatedly placed deposits with the State Bank of Pakistan to bolster 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 following 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, enhanced security cooperation and growing Saudi investment in Pakistan.