In a manifestation of the strong political, diplomatic, economic, cultural, and defence ties between the two countries, Pakistan Naval ships PMSS Dasht and PNS Zulfiquar have reached Colombo Naval Dockyard on May 3, 4, respectively, on a five-day goodwill visit.
According to a Pakistan embassy message received here Thursday from Colombo, Pakistan Navy ships make routine port calls on the ports of friendly countries. Pakistan and Sri Lanka enjoy close friendly relations which have been demonstrated time-to-time.
Pakistan Navy Ship Zulfiquar is the pioneer ship of the sword Class, F-22P Frigate Project. The ship is fitted with state of the art weapons and sensors and carries a Z9EC helicopter.
The F-22P Project encompassed construction of 3 frigates in China while the fourth one was constructed at Karachi Shipyard.
PMSS Dasht Class 615 Tonnes Maritime Patrol Vessel (MPV) was designed by MARIC Design House Shanghai, China and being constructed at Xijiang Shipbuilding Company under the contract between Ministry of Defence Production and China Trading Company. The keel of the ship was laid down on May 27, 2016, and subsequently launched on November 8, 2016.
The ship commissioned and delivered to Pakistan Maritime Security Agency on April 7, 2017.
A number of activities of mutual interest are planned between the two naval forces during the visit, including a reception on PNS Zulfiquar on May 5, 2017, and sports activities.