JEDDAH: The Pakistan Navy Ship Khaibar was officially welcomed at Jeddah Islamic Port, marking a significant milestone in the enduring bilateral relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
The visit of the advanced naval vessel was celebrated with a special dinner reception hosted by the ship’s commanding officer, Captain Ali Raza.
The event was attended by high-ranking officials from the Royal Saudi Naval Force, Pakistani diplomats, including Consul General Mr. Syed Mustafa Rabbani, key Saudi business leaders, and notable members of the Pakistani community residing in Saudi Arabia. The occasion also served as an opportunity to highlight the growing military and diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Captain Ali Raza, in his speech, expressed gratitude towards the Saudi military and Consul General Rabbani for their warm hospitality extended to the Khaibar crew during their visit. The commander further emphasized the deep-rooted bond between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, stating that their relations are founded on shared faith, history, and mutual support on key issues of strategic importance.
He went on to underline the strong defense partnership that the two countries maintain, noting the recent signing of the strategic mutual defense agreement.
“The defense agreement will undoubtedly elevate our bilateral relations to new heights, fostering closer collaboration in both defense and strategic matters,” Captain Raza stated.
The reception also provided an opportunity for attendees to learn more about the state-of-the-art capabilities of the PNS Khaibar. Commissioned in December 2025, the Khaibar is the latest and most technologically advanced ship in the Pakistan Navy’s fleet. Built in Istanbul, Turkey, the vessel is equipped with cutting-edge command and control systems, modern weapons, and sophisticated sensors, marking a new era in Pakistan’s naval defense.
As part of the event, Saudi naval officials and members of the Pakistani community were given a tour of the ship, allowing them to gain insight into its advanced features and capabilities. The evening concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony and a dinner, further strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
This visit of the PNS Khaibar underscores the strategic partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, a relationship that continues to thrive across multiple domains, including political, economic, military, and cultural. With both nations committed to furthering this collaboration, the future looks promising for continued cooperation in defense and beyond.
