NATO, Pakistan to hold joint naval exercise

The ships of the Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 will undertake two-day exercise with Pakistan Navy vessels in the open sea from Monday. This was announced by the Commander of the Standing NATO Maritime Group 1, Rear Admiral Pereira Da Cunha. He was talking to newsmen onboard Portuguese ship Corte Real at Karachi Port on Sunday. Commodore Jamil Akhtar, Chief Staff Officer to the Commander Pakistan Fleet, was also present on the occasion. Admiral Pereira said that the exercise would help foster the cooperation as well as the interoperatibility. Five ships consisting of Portuguese, Canadian, Spanish, Dutch frigates and a German tanker will participate in the exercise. Four Pakistan Navy ships as well as its air units will also take part in the exercise. Commodore Jamil Akhtar spoke of Pakistan Navy’s longstanding ties with NATO and said that this visit of its ships is also a manifestation of good bilateral relation of our navies and is mutually beneficial. He said that sea being an international maritime highway needs to be protected collectively and we firmly believe that safe and stable environment can ensure lasting tranquility, prosperity and development in this region. Commodore Jamil reiterated that Pakistan Navy is actively participating in the international efforts in order to ensure safe and secure maritime environment in the region. He said that the presence of such a large number of officers and men of friendly countries indicates the collective desire of promoting peace and stability in the region. Commodore Jamil further pointed out that Pakistan is actively participating in the Maritime Coalition. He informed that there is a proposal to send a ship from Pakistan Navy to the Gulf of Aden for the anti-piracy operation. The Commodore also said that Pakistan Navy recently hosted a multi-national exercise ‘Aman 09’. Earlier, Lt. Commander Alexandre Santos Fernandes of the Portuguese Navy, gave a briefing regarding the Standing NATO Maritime Group 1.—

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