Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi has called on Commander Royal Navy of Oman, Rear Admiral Abdullah Bin Khamis Al Raisi and Commandant of Sultan Qaboos Naval Academy in separate meetings.

Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi, is on official visit to Sultanate of Oman.

Upon arrival at Royal Navy of Oman Headquarters, Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi was received by his counterpart Rear Admiral Abdullah Bin Khamis Al Raisi. A smartly turned out contingent of Royal Omani Navy clad in ceremonial dress presented him the Guard of Honour.

Later, Chief of the Naval Staff called on Commander Royal Navy of Oman.

During the meeting, discussions on professional matters including bilateral naval collaboration and security environment in Indian Ocean Region were held. Various avenues of cooperation between the two Navies were also focused. A comprehensive brief on Royal Oman Navy was given to Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi.

According to an official statement issued on Tuesday, Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi highlighted Pakistan’s contributions in fight against terrorism and ensuring maritime security at sea by protecting National and International shipping plying in the Indian Ocean Region against threats of Piracy, Maritime Terrorism, Narco-arms smuggling and human trafficking etc. Rear Admiral Abdullah Bin Khamis Al Raisi lauded Pakistan Navy’s efforts and focused commitments in support of maritime security in the region. Rear Admiral Abdullah Bin Khamis Al Raisi also appreciated the professionalism of Pakistan Navy personnel and acknowledged the valuable training support being provided to Royal Navy of Oman by Pakistan Navy. Both the dignitaries agreed to further enhance the interaction between the two navies in diverse fields of training, mutual visits and defence collaboration.

Later, during the day, Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi visited Said Bin Sultan Naval Base, Sultan Qaboos Naval Academy, Royal Navy of Oman Ship and Fleet Maintenance Facility.

During the meeting with Commandant Sultan Qaboos Naval Academy, matters of mutual interest including professional & academic training and grooming of young officers were discussed. Chief of the Naval Staff also visited various segments/ sections of the Academy and interacted with Midshipmen and cadets.

Published in Daily Times, July 25^th 2018.