Pak Navy participates in multilateral exercise in Turkey

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Navy Ship Zulfiqar, with embarked helicopter, visited Port Aksaz (Turkey) to participate in Exercise Mavi Balina 2020, 5th PN-TN Bilateral Exercise Turgutreis-V and Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) with Turkish Navy.

Upon arrival at Port Aksaz, PNS Zulfiqar was extended warm welcome by Turkish Naval authorities reflective of brotherly relations between the two countries. Mavi Balina-2020 is a multilateral maritime exercise in which ships and aircraft of Bulgaria, Italy, Spain, Romania and the United States also participated. The exercise was designed to further strengthen mutual learning, experience sharing and to enhance interoperability between participating navies. The exercise was conducted in three phases, i.e harbour, sea and analysis/closing phase under stringent COVID-19 protocols.

During stay at Aksaz, Commanding Officer PNS Zulfiqar called on senior naval officials and dignitaries including Rear Admiral I. Kurtulus Sevinc and Flag Officer Commanding Aksaz Naval Base. During the interactions, Commanding Officer Pakistan Navy Ship conveyed well wishes of Chief of the Naval Staff for the people of Turkey in general and Turkish Navy in particular. The Commanding Officer also expressed condolences over loss of precious lives during Izmir earthquake.

He amply highlighted illegal occupation of Kashmir by Indian forces and extended his gratitude for whole hearted support provided by Turkish Navy and Aksaz Port authorities in making ships stay comfortable.

Pakistan Navy enjoys brotherly and cordial relations with Turkish Navy in all professional fields. Participation of PNS Zulfiqar in current exercise was also in pursuance to policies of the government of Pakistan to enhance friendly relations.

Meanwhile, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi visited Creeks Area to review operational preparedness of the deployed troops.

Upon arrival at Brigade Headquarters Sujawal, the naval chief was received by Commander Coast, Vice Admiral Zahid Ilyas. A comprehensive briefing was given to the naval chief on prevailing threat, environment and combat readiness for the defence of Creeks Area that constitutes South Eastern maritime boundary with India. The admiral also visited the forward defended locations and met with the deployed troops.

The naval chief expressed full satisfaction over operational readiness of the troops. He appreciated professional prowess and dedication of officers and men in ensuring impregnable defence of motherland in the challenging environment of Creeks Area.

The naval chief also directed to ensure optimal utilisation of latest weap­onry and equipment with motivation and alacrity in order to safeguard the maritime boundaries of Pakistan.