9th multinational maritime exercise AMAN 2025 kicks off

ISLAMABAD: An impressive and colourful flag-hoisting ceremony was held at the Pakistan Navy Dockyard, Karachi, on Friday, marking the formal inauguration of the 9th Multinational Maritime Exercise AMAN 2025.

According to the Directorate General Public Relations, Pakistan Navy, the event featured the simultaneous hoisting of flags from all participating nations. A large number of senior military representatives, observers, diplomats, and officials from the Pakistan Armed Forces attended the ceremony.

The message of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, was read during the ceremony. In his message the naval chief warmly welcomed the participants of AMAN-25, and highlighted that the exercise has become a regular feature, bringing together regional and extra-regional navies to foster a secure and conducive maritime environment.

He emphasised the Pakistan Navy’s role as a key stakeholder in the Arabian Sea, and its initiatives to enhance regional maritime security, including Regional Maritime Security Patrols (RMSP). He said that in recognition of the international community’s trust in the Pakistan Navy’s efforts to promote peace and stability at sea, AMAN Dialogue has been introduced as an adjunct to the exercise.

Speaking on the occasion, Commander Pakistan Fleet, Rear Admiral Abdul Munib, underscored the Pakistan Navy’s contributions toward collaborative maritime security. He emphasised the significance of the exercise in enhancing interoperability among participants, and sought their cooperation in achieving the exercise’s objectives.

He praised the participating countries for supporting Pakistan’s commitment to peace and maritime security, and acknowledged the fluttering flags of participating nations as a true embodiment of the AMAN motto: ‘Together for Peace’. He expressed hope that the friendships fostered during the exercise would continue to grow.

AMAN 2025 is the ninth edition of the series, and is being held from February 7 to February 11. Around 60 countries, along with their ships, aircraft, special operations forces and observers, are participating in the exercise.

Additionally, the Pakistan Navy has introduced the inaugural AMAN Dialogue, scheduled for February 9 and February 10, as an adjunct to the exercise. During this dialogue, naval chiefs and senior representatives from participating countries will deliberate on maritime security challenges, and explore innovative solutions to enhance security at sea. — APP

News Desk adds: Chief of the Naval Staff of Bangladesh, Admiral Mohammad Nazmul Hassan, called on Chief of the Naval Staff of Pakistan, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, at the Naval Headquarters, Islamabad. The visiting dignitary will also participate in the AMAN Dialogue being conducted alongside the multinational maritime exercise AMAN-25.

Upon his arrival at the Naval Headquarters, the honourable guest was received by the Admiral Ashraf. A smartly turned-out contingent of the Pakistan Navy presented a Guard of Honour. Thereafter, the dignitary laid a floral wreath at the Shuhada Monument, and was introduced to the principal staff officers at the Naval Headquarters. During the meeting matters of mutual interest, the regional maritime security environment, and prospects for enhanced bilateral naval collaboration between the two countries were discussed. Various avenues of cooperation, including training, exchange of visits, and bilateral naval exercises between the navies of Pakistan and Bangladesh, were also highlighted.

The naval chief emphasised the Pakistan Navy’s initiatives to ensure maritime security and regional peace through RMSP. The visiting dignitary appreciated the Pakistan Navy’s role and contributions in promoting collaborative maritime security in the region.

The Chief of the Naval Staff of Pakistan expressed his gratitude for the participation of the Chief of the Naval Staff of Bangladesh in the AMAN Dialogue.

The visit of the Chief of the Naval Staff of Bangladesh is expected to further strengthen and expand defence ties between the two brotherly countries, fostering greater collaboration and robust relations between their naval forces.