ISLAMABAD: Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi during an official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) called on Chief of Staff UAE Armed Forces Lt Gen Hamad Mohamed Thani Al Rumaithi and Commander UAE Naval Forces Rear Admiral (Pilot) Saeed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan separately.

Upon arrival at the Naval Headquarters of UAE, the admiral was received by commander of UAE naval forces and presented a ceremonial guard of honour, said a Pakistan Navy press release received here on Friday.

The naval chief was given a comprehensive briefing on the UAE Navy. The admiral also visited the Shipbuilding Facility, Naval Forces Institute and Ghantout Naval Base at Abu Dhabi.

During a meeting with the commander of UAE Naval Forces, matters involving naval collaboration and regional maritime security were discussed.

The naval chief underscored Pakistan Navy’s initiative for ensuring maritime security in the region through Regional Maritime Security Patrols (RMSP) and participation in the Combined Maritime Force.

Pakistan’s naval chief also thanked the commander of UAE naval forces for participation in the Multinational Maritime Exercise AMAN-21. The commander of UAE Naval Forces acknowledged Pakistan Navy’s efforts and commitment to supporting efforts for collaborative maritime security and appreciated successful conduct of Exercise AMAN-21.

Later, during a meeting with the Chief of Staff of UAE Armed Forces, professional matters of mutual interest, including bilateral def­e­nce collaboration, were discussed. The naval chief highlighted importance of enhancing cooperation between the armed forces of the two countries through bilateral exercises and training programmes.

The dignitaries acknowledged the importance of strong military cooperation between the two countries.

It is expected that the visit of the naval chief will further augment and expand defence ties between the two countries in general and their armed forces in particular.

Published in Dawn, March 13th, 2021