Naval chief calls on foreign military delegates during maritime exercise ‘AMAN 2019’

F.P. Report

KARACHI: Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi met various foreign military delegates on the second day of multinational maritime exercise ‘AMAN 2019’ in Karachi on Saturday, the Pakistan Navy said in a statement.

The military delegates who held separate meetings with the naval chief included Commander Zimbabwe National Army Lt General Edzai Absalom Tafadzwa Chanyuka Chimonyo, Chief of Romanian Naval Forces Vice Admiral Alexandru Mirsu Ph.D., Chief of Coast Guard State Border Service Azerbaijan Lt General Afgan Taghiyev Veli and Admiral (retd) William A. Owens of USA.

During the meetings, matters of mutual interest including defence-related collaborations and maritime security dynamics were discussed. The naval chief also thanked the dignitaries for participation in ‘AMAN 2019’ to enhance the collaborative efforts for peace and security. He highlighted Pakistan Navy’s efforts for ensuring maritime security and peace in the region through Regional Maritime Security Patrol and regular bilateral or multilateral engagements with other countries.

The dignitaries highly appreciated and acknowledged Pakistan Navy’s efforts and focused commitments in support of collaborative maritime security in the region and conduct of AMAN exercise.

Military dignitaries from Royal Saudi Naval Forces and Turkish Navy called on Vice Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Kaleem Shaukat. Representatives of all foreign participants of AMAN 2019 laid floral wreaths at Shuhada Monument at PN Dockyard to pay homage to the martyrs.

In tandem, three-day international maritime conference organised on the theme of ‘Global Geopolitics in Transition: Rethinking Maritime Dynamics in the Indian Ocean Region’ under the auspices of National Institute of Maritime Affairs also commenced on Saturday. President of Pakistan Dr. Arif Alvi graced the opening session as chief guest.

Friendly sports matches between officers and men of participating countries and Pakistan Navy were also organised which included cricket, basketball and shooting.

In addition, as a part of the ongoing exercise, Special Operations Forces of Pakistan Navy presented an impressive maritime counterterrorism demonstration at PNS QASIM Manora, Karachi. Governor Sindh Imran Ismail graced the occasion as chief guest.

The counterterrorism demonstration was a fine display of strength and specialised skills by Special Operations Forces to counter acts of maritime terrorism, refine special operating procedures, exchange of professional expertise and to enhance interoperability with participating SOF teams. The special demonstration of Pakistan Navy assets and their capabilities included Dolphin Maneuvers by Special Fast Boats (SFBs), Fast Boat Recovery, Advance Fire Arms Drills, Static Line Para Jumps, Clearance Ops, Insertion of SOF Teams & Marine Platoon to Hover Craft, Bomb Burst by Helos and Free Fall Jumps etc.

Earlier, an International Bands display was also presented by the bands of participating countries of AMAN 2019, aiming to connect the countries through cultural heritage as well. The military bands from Sri Lanka, Pakistan Army, Pakistan Navy, Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Rangers played a mix of their traditional and military tunes. The enchanting melodies mesmerized the audience and were really appreciated.

A large number of personnel of the participating navies, observers, foreign diplomats and senior officials of armed forces of Pakistan witnessed the counterterrorism demonstration and bands display.