ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Navy flotilla comprising PNS Shamsheer, PNS Azmat along with Pakistan Maritime Security Agency Ship Kolachi called at Doha Port to participate in Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition -2022.

In a statement issued here on Saturday, PN said during the exhibition Commander Logistics Rear Admiral Abid Hameed represented Pakistan Navy.

Upon arrival at Doha port, Pakistan Navy Flotilla was received by Defence Attache of Pakistan at Qatar Commodore Saqib Ilyas and Commander Protocol and Organisation QENF Brigadier Salim Ahmed.

During stay at the port, Flag Officer and Mission Commander along with commanding officers of PN ships called on various dignitaries including Qatari Emiri naval force commander, Qatari Coast Guards commander, Kuwaiti Navy commander, Libyan Armed Forces chief of staff, Azerbaijani delegation commander and Iranian naval chief.

During the interactions, matters of mutual interests were discussed and further enhancement of bilateral ties in all spheres was re-affirmed.

Taking the opportunity, the flag officer conveyed well wishes from Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Mohammad Amjad Khan Niazi to all the dignitaries.

PN said the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition -2022 was a premier defence exhibition attended by a large number of maritime security and defence services, providing opportunity to enhance maritime defence cooperation, besides showcasing own strengths in defence industrial sector.

The visit by Pakistan Navy ships served to project Pakistan’s shipbuilding capabilities and indigenous defence expertise.

On the sidelines of the exhibition Middle Eastern Naval Commanders Conference, cross ship visited and warship displays were conducted to enhance mutual cooperation amongst naval fraternity.

The hallmark of the visit was celebration of Pakistan Day at Doha.

The event was celebrated with national fervour. PN ship hosted reception onboard in honour of the Qatari Ministers, senior defence officials and a large number of diplomatic corps.

PN said that Pakistan and Qatar enjoyed close defence bilateral relations nurtured over the years through multitudes of naval collaborations and exercises. Visit of PN flotilla to Qatar would strengthen bilateral ties enhance naval collaboration and interoperability with Qatar Emiri naval forces.

Published in Dawn, March 27th, 2022