ISLAMABAD - Opening ceremony of three weeks long joint exercise, Al-Samsaam-IV 2011, between Pakistan Army and Royal Saudi Land Forces was started near Jhelum. National flags of both the countries were hoisted, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Monday. Inspector General Training and Evaluation, Lieutenant General Muzamil Hussain, was chief guest on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, Lieutenant General Muzamil Hussain said that Saudi Arabia had always been a Pakistans special friend and armies of both countries maintained close ties with each other. He said joint exercise would provide an opportunity to troops of both the countries to benefit from each others experience. Defence Attache of Saudi Arabia Commodore Abdullah Saeed Ghamdi also attended the ceremony and said that both the nations had long-lasting and strong historical relationship. It is worth mentioning here that joint exercise aims at familiarisation and sharing of information through an inclusive training programme in real time. This will also include collective training at unit and brigade level to observe drills and procedures in low intensity conflict operations. The exercise will enhance the battle competence of participating troops against intimidation operations.