ISLAMABAD: Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi, who is on an official visit to the Sultanate of Oman, held consultative meetings with Oman’s Defence Ministry secretary-general Mohamed bin Nasser Al Rasby and Chief of Staff of the Sultan’s Armed Forces (SAF) Lt Gen Ahmed bin Harith al-Nabhani.
During the meetings, he extended felicitations to his counterparts and discussed various avenues of defence collaboration to improve interoperability and deepen strategic relationship between the two navies.
Reportedly, Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi emphasised on Pakistan’s commitment to eradicate terrorism and restore stability in the region, and outlined Pakistan Navy’s contribution towards regional maritime security in terms of threats of piracy, maritime terrorism, narco-arms smuggling, human trafficking and other issues.
He affirmed that through bilateral navel collaboration, the two countries could expand the existing cordial relationship into constructive engagements between the armed forces of the two countries to achieve peace and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Meanwhile, the Omani dignitaries expressed their gratitude to Admiral Zafar for Pakistan’s support to Oman in the realm of national defence capabilities.
Pakistan and Oman have enjoyed cordial diplomatic relationship based on bonds of common traditions, religion, faith and social values.
Matters of mutual interest and professionalism between Pakistan Navy (PN) and the Royal Navy of Oman have gained strength through joint naval exercise ‘Thamar Al Tayyib’, port calls and official visits of armed forces representatives.
Published in Daily Times, July 26th 2018.
