KARACHI: Federal Minister for Defence Pervez Khattak has said that the current maritime threats and emerging geo-strategic situation is posing new challenges and risks to the stakeholders in the Region.
The situation will provide constructive dialogue and develop a collective mechanism, this he said while addressing as a chief guest at the concluding session of the 3-day International Maritime conference here on Monday.
The conference was organised by the National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA) under the auspices of Pakistan Navy as part of Multinational Maritime Exercise AMAN-19.
The theme of the moot was “Global Geopolitics in Transition: Rethinking Maritime Dynamics in the Indian Ocean Region”.
The defence minister said that the conference has provided a platform to the scholars as well as practitioners to deliberate on the contemporary maritime challenges and share understanding of the dynamics in the maritime domain.
He expressed confidence that the conference deliberations and its valuable recommendations will provide insight to maritime stakeholders for effective policymaking. He also thanked all the guests, panelists and dignitaries and congratulated NIMA for the successful conduct of the conference.
In the context of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the defence minister added that among the recent maritime development in our region, CPEC is rightfully considered a Game Changer, not only for Pakistan but also for the economic well-being and prosperity of the entire region.
With the progress of CPEC and Gwadar port, maritime activities would increase manifold, especially in the Western Indian Ocean. The responsibilities of Pakistan Navy would also increase for maintaining a secure maritime environment for smooth flow of sea trade, he added.
Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi was also present on the occasion.
Earlier, Vice Admiral (r) Syed Khawar Ali Shah, Director General National Institute of Maritime Affairs addressing on the occasion integrated the conference presentations.
He thanked the chief guest for sparing time and gracing the occasion with his presence. Heads of various panelists also presented the recommendations of their respective panels.
International Maritime Conference (IMC), held from Feb. 09-11 in tandem with sixth International Maritime Exercise AMAN 2019, brought together eminent speakers and delegates from across the globe for in-depth discussions and deliberations on changing dynamics of geopolitics and analyse the impact of these changes on IORs economic exploitation and maritime security canvas.
The conference was attended by a large number of dignitaries from across the globe, tri-services officers, academia, foreign & local media representatives and researchers from local and international think-tanks.
