Faisal, Foreign Minister, greets Talmiz Ahmad, Indian Ambassador, after conferring on him King Abdul Aziz Medal – First Class, in Jeddah, Sunday. – SPA Saudi Gazette RIYADH – Indian Ambassador Talmiz Ahmad was decorated with King Abdul Aziz Medal – First Class in Jeddah, Sunday. On behalf of King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Prince Saud Al-Faisal, Foreign Minister, conferred the award on Ahmad at a function attended by several senior Saudi officials and dignitaries. Ahmad, a career diplomat, is retiring from Indian Foreign Service (IFS) on Aug. 31 and will leave Saudi Arabia on Sept. 3 after completing his second tenure as ambassador to the Kingdom. “This (award) is a tribute from Saudi Arabia to Talmiz Ahmad for his contributions in promoting bilateral relations between the two countries during his two tenures as Indian ambassador,” said Prince Al-Faisal. Ambassador Ahmad is the first Indian envoy to have been conferred with the Saudi award of the highest caliber. Ahmad expressed his thanks and appreciation to the government of the Kingdom for conferring on him the award and the support he received during his tenure in the Kingdom. “I was surprised and overwhelmed with the award,” a humble Ahmad told the Saudi Gazette. Ahmad first started as First Secretary and then became Consul General of India (CGI) in Jeddah in early 1980s. He also served as Indian ambassador to a number of Gulf countries. Ahmad said he would continue to serve in promoting the Indo-Saudi bilateral relations through various platforms. “I would be devoted to promote Indo-Saudi ties in a number of areas on immediate, medium-term and long-term basis that include research and studies, energy discussions and advance guidance with regards to business community,” he said. __
