KARACHI
A week-long joint Pakistan and United Arab Emirates (UAE) naval exercise Nasl-Al-Bahr (Sea Blade) is continuing in Pakistani waters.
The exercise would provide an opportunity for both navies to share experience, refine tactical doctrines / procedures and progressively enhance their scope, said Commander Pakistan Fleet, Vice Admiral Khan Hasham Bin Saddique, while briefing the media at Fleet Headquarters on Wednesday.
UAE’s Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (Operations and Training) Commodore Abdullah Shehi was also present on the occasion.
Two UAE ships, namely Abu Dhabi and Al Hesen, along with maritime patrol aircraft Dash-08 and Special Force elements are participating in the exercise with Pakistan Navy (PN). The exercise that started on
April 20, will conclude on April 26.
The commander Pakistan Fleet said the two navies had historic and deep-rooted relationship from the very beginning. Being the first ever bilateral exercise of this stature, Nasl Al Bahr was a landmark reflection of the historic ties between PN and UAE Navy, he said.
It was also a true manifestation of convergence in strategic interests of the two very important countries in the region, which would go a long way for promoting maritime security and stability in the region, he added.
He said that Pakistan and UAE navies had been interacting since long. However, exercise Nasl Al Bahr was unique in the context of its expanded scope and more focused objectives covering the entire spectrum of multifaceted maritime operations involving surface, air and special forces elements.
