ISLAMABAD, Jan 24: Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Shahid Karimullah left on an official visit to Malaysia, Thailand and Brunei on Monday.

According to a press release issued by the Naval Headquarters, the visit had been planned on the invitation of naval chiefs of these countries.

Admiral Karimullah was seen off at the Islamabad airport by Chief of Staff Vice Admiral Farooq Rashid and Commander North Commodore M.A. Khan. Other officials present on the occasion were the defence attaches of respective countries and senior naval officers.

The visit is aimed at enhancing the existing cooperation with the navies of Malaysia, Thailand and Brunei. During his stay, Admiral Shahid Karimullah will hold talks with his naval counterparts and other senior defence officials and discuss matters of mutual interest.

Admiral Karimullah's visit would further cement the existing relations with these countries. Vice Admiral Mohammad Haroon, Commander Pakistan Fleet, would be officiating the naval matters in the absence of chief of the naval staff.