ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Navy warship Saif with embarked ASW (Anti-Submarine Warfare) helicopter Z9EC visited Colombo, Sri Lanka from 5-8 November for a goodwill-cum-training visit.
Upon arrival at Colombo, a warm welcome was given by Sri Lankan Navy (SLN), said a news release issued here by Public Relations Directorate of Pakistan Navy.
During its stay at the port, Commanding Officer Captain Shahzad Iqbal called on senior naval officials from SLN, including their Commander Admiral S S Ranasinghe as well as other high ranking officials.
During the three-day stay at the port, PN officers and men visited different Sri Lankan Navy units, installations, training facilities. The ship also participated in bilateral naval exercises with a Sri Lankan Navy ship.
Sri Lanka and Pakistan enjoy brotherly relations, which have further strengthened over the years. During emergency situation in Sri Lanka in May this year in the aftermath of flash floods and land sliding due to torrential rains, another ship Zulfiquar was immediately dispatched by the Pakistan government for humanitarian assistance. The timely assistance rendered by the ship was highly praised by the Sri Lankan government.
The PNS SAIF is frontline warship of Pakistan Navy fleet, fitted with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, and is capable of undertaking all types of maritime operations in a multi-threat environment.
The visit provided ample opportunity to Pakistan and SLN officers and men to learn through professional interactions with their counterparts and enhance interoperability and mutual coordination.