ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Navy ship Saif visited the Egyptian port of Alexandria for goodwill-cum-training visit, said a press release issued by the PN on Friday.

Upon arrival off Alexandria, the ship was escorted by the Egyptian Navy’s patrol craft from open sea till berth.

The ship was received by Defence Attache of Pakistan and Liaison Officer from the Egyptian Navy.The PNS Saif is the frontline warship of Pakistan Navy’s fleet 18th Destroyer Squadron and is the third ship of Sword class frigate.

The ship is fitted with the state-of-the-art robust weapons and sensors and is capable of undertaking all types of maritime operations in multi-threat environment.

The PNS Saif is also embarked with organic anti-submarine warfare helicopter Z9EC.

Commanding Officer PNS Saif called on Flag Officer Commanding Alexandria Naval Base, Rear Admiral Ehab Mohammed Sobhi and other senior military officials.

Matters of mutual interests came under the discussion.

During the interaction, the commanding officer of PNS Saif conveyed well wishes of Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi to the people of Egypt in general and the Egyptian Navy in particular. He also extended his gratitude for the whole-hearted support provided by Egyptian Navy and the Alexandria Port authorities in making the ship’s stay comfortable. The commanding officer laid a wreath at the martyrs memorial of Alexandria.

During the three-day stay at the port, the PN officers and men visited Egyptian Navy ships Anwer-el-Sadat and Taha Misr, whereas Egyptian Navy officers visited PNS Saif. A friendly football match was also played between both the navies.

Published in Dawn, September 15th, 2018