KARACHI: Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Mohammad Zakaullah paid a sea visit to Chinese Navy ship Handan on Sunday during the ongoing joint exercise by the Pakistan Navy and the People’s Liberation Army (Navy).

The exercise, being held in the Arabian Sea between the two brotherly navies from Nov 16 to 21, covers a wide spectrum of maritime and naval operations by ships, helicopters, maritime patrol aircraft, joint boarding operations by special forces, air defence exercises, communication drills and joint manoeuvres by ships of both navies.

Commander of Pakistan Fleet Vice Admiral Syed Arifullah Hussaini accompanied the CNS during the visit.

The naval chief interacted with the PLA (Navy) ship’s crew and appreciated their operational competence. He expressed his satisfaction over the regular visits of PLA (Navy) ships and conducting of exercises between the two navies.

The naval chief said that the Pak-China friendship was highly valued and continued cooperation between the two countries had proven to be a source of strength for both of them. He said regular conducting of PN-PLA (Navy) exercises would further enhance the level of cooperation and interoperability between the two navies that would contribute towards regional peace and stability.

Admiral Zakaullah later visited PN Fleet units and expressed satisfaction over their readiness in keeping vigil over the PN area of responsibility.

During interaction with officers and men on-board, the naval chief commended their moral, preparedness and resolve to defend the maritime frontiers of the motherland. “Pakistan is a peace-loving country and wants peace and stability in the region, but any act of aggression will be answered befittingly,” he asserted.

Published in Dawn November 21st, 2016