ISLAMABAD, Dec 29: Negotiations with China and the US for the procurement of new frigates and aircraft for the Pakistan Navy are in final stages, said Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Shahid Karimullah on Wednesday.

"Procurement of F-22P frigates from China is in final stages of contractual negotiations while the talks with the US are in progress and it would deliver two P-3C aircraft by the end of 2005," he said.

A press release issued by the Naval Headquarters said the Naval Chief had affirmed Pakistan Navy's resolve to continue the construction of Agosta 90-B submarines. He was addressing the Annual Efficiency Competition, Parade and Awards Ceremony 2004 of the Pakistan Navy Fleet led by Vice Admiral Mohammad Haroon, said the press release.

Admiral Shahid said the government was aware of Navy's requirements and was all set to provide full support to the marine force within the available resources. He expressed the hope that with all these projects, the Pakistan Navy would be able to overcome the shortage of platforms.

"However, availability of modern platforms and weapons is not the ultimate solution to our shortcomings, but the professional competence of fighting men and their resolve to defend the national interest makes the real difference," he remarked.

Admiral Shahid said a potent and efficient fleet was necessary to guard the country, for which the Pakistan Navy was focused to meet additional requirements of surface ships, submarines and long-range maritime patrol aircraft.

He expressed satisfaction over the performance and efforts of the PN fleet for successfully accomplishing the operational objectives set for the year and commended the full-time participation of the recently inducted VBSS boats in special operations.

Earlier, in his address of welcome, Vice Admiral Mohammad Haroon recounted the operational achievements of the PN fleet. He said the Pakistan Navy was proud of actively participating in the relief operations in the flood-hit areas of South East Asian countries.

The units of the PN fleet had carried out many operational exercises with foreign navies, including those of the Saudi Arabia, US, Oman and Turkey. Later, Chief Guest Admiral Shahid Karimullah gave away prizes to the winning units.