Damascus-SANA
President Bashar al-Assad granted Ambassador Saeed Muhammad Khan the Syrian Order of Merit of the Excellent Class, in honor of his efforts in developing the Syrian-Pakistani relations, and in appreciation of his dedication to performing his duties as the country's ambassador to Syria.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Dr. Bashar al-Jaafari, who decorated the Pakistani ambassador with the medal at a farewell ceremony held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates at Dama Rose Hotel in Damascus today, on the occasion of the end of his duties as his country’s ambassador to Syria, said: President Bashar al-Assad decided to award the Syrian Medal of Merit of the Excellent Class to Ambassador Muhammad Khan. In appreciation of his efforts in developing relations between the two friendly countries.
Dr. Al-Jaafari praised the important role played by the ambassador in light of the difficult circumstances that Syria has gone through in promoting various aspects of the Syrian-Pakistani relations, expressing his thanks to the government and people of the Republic of Pakistan for their support to Syria.
Al-Jaafari recalled Pakistan's standing by Syria in its wars against the Israeli occupation entity in June 1967 and October 1973, and the valor of its pilots in preventing enemy aircraft from attacking Syrian, Jordanian, Lebanese and Egyptian cities and facilities.
Dr. Al-Jaafari valued Pakistan's courageous and steadfast stance towards what Syria is going through through its voter record in international organizations despite the pressures on it and its constant commitment to the safety, independence and sovereignty of Syria, its preservation of diplomatic relations at the highest level, and its preservation of its embassy and ambassador in Damascus.
Al-Jaafari also reviewed the development of the Syrian-Pakistani relations during the past years, economically, educationally, culturally and in terms of tourism, activating the joint Syrian-Pakistani Business Council, in addition to strengthening cooperation relations between the two countries in the field of air transport.
After receiving the medal, Ambassador Muhammad Khan expressed his thanks and gratitude to President Bashar al-Assad for honoring him by granting him this medal. He also expressed his thanks to the Syrian people, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions accredited in Damascus for their cooperation with him to complete his duties as ambassador of his country in Damascus.
Ambassador Muhammad Khan drew attention to the depth and strength of the relations between the two countries through the efforts of the wise leaderships in Pakistan and Syria, indicating that since assuming his duties, his interest has focused on helping the Syrian people and alleviating their suffering after the terrorist war on Syria.
Ambassador Muhammad Khan referred to the signing of many memoranda of understanding and economic, industrial, cultural and educational agreements between the largest universities in the two countries, expressing his pride in the friendship and love relations that unite the two friendly countries and are getting stronger and stronger day by day, wishing Syria prosperity and restoration of its brilliance.
The ceremony was attended by Syria's ambassador to India, Dr. Riyad Abbas, a number of ambassadors, heads and members of diplomatic missions accredited in Damascus, and directors of departments in the ministry.
