Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Friday said cooperation between international navies was imperative to counter the threats of terrorism, drug trafficking and piracy.
In a message on Pakistan Navy’s Multinational Exercise AMAN-17, the Prime Minister said, “Pakistan being a major stakeholder in maritime security of Arabian Sea was fully committed to ensuring freedom of navigation and lawful maritime order.”
“The maritime security challenges in the Indian Ocean were both multidimensional and multifaceted,” he said.
“Threats like maritime terrorism, drug trafficking and piracy have acquired international dimensions,” he added.
“Cooperation between international navies was, therefore, imperative to counter these emerging threats,” the PM said.
“I am confident that AMAN-17 will be a big stride towards this direction,” he said.
“Pakistan’s geo-strategic prominence capitalised with the launching of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project will become a `Game Changer’ for the region,” PM Nawaz said.
He said that the mega project offers a multitude of regional and trans-regional economic prospects, especially in the maritime sphere.
The growing reliance on maritime highways with their enormous economic benefits has accentuated the need for keeping a safe and secure environment at sea.
He also extended a very warm welcome to all the participants who have travelled from across the seas to participate in the multinational exercise AMAN-17.
“I am glad that through AMAN series of exercises, Pakistan Navy has been able to act as a bridge in the maritime domain by bringing together the Navies of East and West on one platform.”
The Prime Minister extended gratitude to the participating navies in AMAN-17 in such large numbers.
“I also appreciate the enthusiastic and vigorous efforts of Pakistan Navy for successfully organising AMAN series of Exercises since 2007,” he added.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said he looks forward to a successful and rewarding exercise and thanked all participating countries for taking part in this endeavour of readiness for the promotion of peace.
