Daily Times

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi visited ships of foreign navies participating in Multinational Exercise AMAN-19.

Upon his arrival onboard foreign visiting ships, the Naval Chief was warmly welcomed by Senior Officers/Commanding officers of respective ships and was presented the guard of honour by smartly dressed out contingents.

The Naval Chief visited participating ships of Australia (HMAS BALLARAT), China (PLA(N) KUNLUNSHAN), Italy (ITS MARGOTTINI), Malaysia (RMK KD MAHAWANGSA), Oman (RNOV AL-RAHMANI), Sri Lanka (SLNS SAYURALA), Turkey (TCG GOKCEADA) and U.K (HMS DRAGON)where he held interactions with senior officers/commanding officers. The Naval Chief was given briefings onboard ships. During discussions, the Naval Chief highlighted that Pakistan Navy has always been a forerunner in quest for collaborative security in this region of immense strategic importance and AMAN series of exercises are anchored on this concept. The Admiral further expressed that camaraderie generated herein will grow in future and shall bring us closer to the mutual goal of regional peace and prosperity. He also appreciated their participation in AMAN Exercise under common resolve of “Together for Peace”. Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi interacted with foreign media reps during his visit and responded to their questions.

The senior officers/commanding officers of the respective ships highly acknowledged the strenuous efforts of Pakistan Navy in bringing together global navies towards shared commitment of maritime peace, stability and lawful order at sea.

Chief of the Naval Staff had interaction with the crew of visiting ships and appreciated their professionalism and morale.

During the other activities of the day, Lt General Edzai Absalom Tafadzwa Chanyuka Chimonyo Commander Zimbabwe National Army laid floral wreath at Mazar-e-Quaid followed by visit to Joint Maritime Information Coordination Centre, Pakistan Naval Academy and Pakistan Navy Ship SHAMSHEER. Vice Admiral Alexandru Mirsu Ph.D Chief of Romanian Naval Forces visited Pakistan Navy Ship SAIF and also called on Commander Pakistan Fleet Vice Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi.

Maritime security challenges and opportunities remained in focus on the second day of8th International Maritime Conference 2019. 1st and 2nd sessions were graced by Vice Admiral Kaleem Shaukat Vice Chief of Naval Staff and Dr. Masuma Hasan, Chairman Pakistan Institute of International Affairs as Chief Guests respectively. Whereas, Lt General Afgan Taghiyev Veli Chief of Coast Guard State Border Service Azerbaijan and Vice Admiral Alexandru Mirsu Ph.D Chief of Romanian Naval Forces attended as Guests of Honour.

Friendly sports matches between officers of participating countries and Pakistan Navy were also held during the day.

In order to provide an opportunity to witness diverse cultures of participating countries, an International Food Gala and Cultural Show was also organized showcasing food stalls and cultural items. Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah graced the occasion as Chief Guest. A large number of personnel from participating navies, observers, foreign diplomats and senior officials of Pakistan Armed Forces attended the event.

Published in Daily Times, February 11^th 2019.