Pak-China joint naval exercise concludes

ISLAMABAD: Closing ceremony of bilateral exercise Sea Guardian-2023 between Pakistan Navy and Peoples Liberation Army (Navy) of China held at Pakistan Navy Dockyard, Karachi.

The exercise was conducted at Karachi and the North Arabian Sea, in which six Chinese Navy units including destroyers, frigates, submarines, oil tankers and rescue ships along with a detachment of marines participated.

The exercise included a wide range of operational manoeuvers encompassing major facets of Anti-Surface, Anti-Air, Mine Warfare and Special Operations in the simulated multi-threat environment to provide optimum training. The exercise was aimed to further enhance maritime cooperation and defence relations through the mutual exchange of experience and interoperability between the two navies.

Concurrent to Chinese PLA (Navy) ships’ visit, Commander Qingdao Naval Base Rear Admiral Liang Yang also visited Pakistan. Besides attending the closing ceremony, the Flag Officer called on Commander Coast, Commander Pakistan Fleet and other senior PN officials.

During the interaction, naval collaboration and regional maritime security were discussed.

Exercise Sea Guardian-23 proved mutually rewarding to hone the professional skills of participating navies and a forum to learn from each other’s experiences.

Regular conduct of bilateral naval exercises is a manifestation of mutual resolve to further enhance bilateral cooperation. The closing ceremony was attended by a large number of officials from both the navies.