Admiral Zafar Mahmood stresses on bilateral cooperation in meeting with Oman Navy chief

KARACHI: Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi on Tuesday called on Commander Oman Royal Navy (ORN) Commander Rear Admiral Abdullah Bin Khamis Al Raisi and Sultan Qaboos Naval Academy (SQNA) commandant in separate meetings.

Upon arrival at ORN Headquarters, Admiral Abbasi was received by his counterpart Rear Admiral Raisi. A smartly turned out contingent of ORN clad in ceremonial dress presented him the Guard of Honour.

Discussions on professional matters including bilateral naval collaboration and security environment in Indian Ocean Region (IOR) were held. Various avenues of cooperation between the two Navies were also focused. A comprehensive brief on ORN was given to Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi.

Admiral Abbasi highlighted Pakistan’s contributions in the fight against terrorism and ensuring maritime security at sea by protecting national and international shipping plying in the IOR against threats of piracy, maritime terrorism, narco-arms smuggling, human trafficking and other issues.

Rear Admiral Raisi lauded Pakistan Navy’s (PN) efforts and focused commitments in support of maritime security in the region. He also appreciated the professionalism of PN personnel and acknowledged the valuable training support being provided to ORN by PN.

Both the dignitaries agreed to further enhance the interaction between the two navies in diverse fields of training, mutual visits and defence collaboration.

Later, during the day, Admiral Abbasi visited Said Bin Sultan Naval Base, SQNA, Royal Navy of Oman Ship and Fleet Maintenance Facility.

During the meeting with SQNA commandant, matters of mutual interest including professional and academic training and grooming of young officers were discussed. Chief of the Naval Staff also visited various segments and sections of the Academy and interacted with midshipmen and cadets.

This visit of the Naval chief is taking place concurrent with the port visit of PN ship SAIF to Oman currently deployed in North Arabian Sea, which is considered to be yet another manifestation of the ongoing collaboration which will further expand and strengthen in