Pakistan Navy, Royal Navy of Oman conduct bilateral exercise

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KARACHI: Pakistan Navy Task Group comprising Pakistan Navy Ship SHAHJAHAN, Pakistan Navy Submarine SAAD, two Fast Attack Craft (Missile) i.e. PNS QUWWAT and PNS AZMAT and a Maritime Patrol Aircraft on Friday visited Oman to participate in 9th THAMAR AL TAYYIB Exercise.

Pakistan Navy and Royal Navy of Oman have been conducting Exercise THAMAR AL TAYYIB biennially since 2002. The exercise is undertaken to enhance interoperability and collaborative efforts towards maritime security with the ultimate aim of promoting peace in the region. The exercise is held in Pakistani and Omani waters on an alternate basis. In continuation of this bilateral arrangement, 9th THAMAR AL TAYYIB Exercise was held in Omani waters.

The exercise included joint planning and coordination in harbour followed by execution of the planned serials at sea, which included Maritime Security, Anti-Air and Anti-Surface exercises. The exercise was witnessed by senior officials from both navies. Karachi Commander Vice Admiral Asif Khaliq represented Pakistan Navy. The exercise culminated with a de-brief wherein Vice Admiral Asif Khaliq expressed his satisfaction on the successful conduct of the exercise and thanked the Royal Navy of Oman for hosting Pakistan Navy units in Oman. Royal Navy of Oman officials expressed gratitude to Pakistan Navy for sending Task Group and making the exercise successful.

Apart from professional interactions, Pakistan Navy ship also hosted a reception onboard which was attended by a large gathering of diplomats, government and military officials, officers from Sultan Armed Forces and distinguished guests from local and Pakistani community.

Pakistan and Sultanate of Oman enjoy longstanding brotherly ties based on cultural affinity and religious bond. Being close maritime neighbours, Pakistan and Oman share common interests in ensuring maritime security and the free flow of commerce through the region. Accordingly, navies of the two countries have been cooperating on a wide range of issues in the maritime domain. Both Pakistan Navy and Royal Navy of Oman have been regularly participating in Maritime Security Operations at sea. In the area of human resource, Pakistan Navy is providing officers and men on deputation to Omani Navy to support Royal Navy of Oman in fulfilling its maritime and naval obligations. The two navies have also been closely collaborating in the field of training of respective officers and men.

Professional experience gained by both navies during Exercise THAMAR AL TAYYIB will be mutually rewarding and foster greater bilateral cooperation between the two brotherly navies.