ISLAMABAD: Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi is on an official visit to Russian Federation and during the visit, he met Russian Navy Commander-in-Chief Admiral Vladimir Korolyov in Saint Petersburg.
Upon arrival, the naval chief was warmly received by Admiral Vladimir Korolyov and a ceremonial guard was presented with military honours to the naval chief on the occasion.
During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, including bilateral naval collaboration and various avenues of cooperation between the two navies were discussed. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi highlighted Pakistan’s commitment and contributions in the fight against terrorism, including Regional Maritime Security Patrols (RMSP) initiative against piracy and maritime terrorism. The naval chief also briefed Admiral Vladimir Korolyov regarding forthcoming Multinational Naval Exercise AMAN-19 which is being hosted by Pakistan in the first quarter of 2019. The commander-in-chief of the Russian Navy lauded the role and contributions of Pakistan Navy in maintaining peace and stability in the maritime domain through global collaboration. Both dignitaries agreed upon the need for enhancing efforts to effectively confront the trans-national challenges and threats in the maritime domain. During the visit, the naval chief also visited Admiral Nakhimov Naval Cadet School and interacted with Russian naval cadets. The naval chief also laid a floral wreath at War Memorial Complex.
It is expected that the visit of the naval chief to the Russian Federation will enhance and expand defence ties between the two countries in general and navies in particular.
