Naval chief visits Qatar, meets military leadership

ISLAMABAD: Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Naveed Ashraf on Saturday called on the military and naval leadership of Qatar during an official visit to Qatar.

During the naval chief’s meeting with Chief of Staff Qatar Armed Forces, Lieutenant-General (Pilot) Salem bin Hamad bin Mohammad Aqeel Al Nabit and Commander Qatari Emiri Naval Forces, Major General Abdulla Hassan Al-Sulaiti, matters of defence ties and mutual bilateral naval collaboration and regional maritime security were discussed.

The naval chief underscored the importance of enhancing the interaction between the armed forces of both the countries through exercises and training exchange programmes. He also underscored the contribution of Pakistan Navy towards regional maritime peace and stability through its initiative of Regional Maritime Security Patrols (RMSP) and participation in Combined Maritime Force.

The military leadership of Qatar appreciated the Pakistan Navy’s role in support of collaborative maritime security in the region and acknowledged significance of strong bilateral defence collaboration. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Aashraf visited Mohammad bin Ghanem Al Ghanim Maritime Academy, Naval Base Umm Al Houl and Ships of Qatar Emiri Navy.

During his visit to Doha Naval Base, the naval chief was given a detailed briefing on roles and tasks of Qatar Emiri Naval Forces. Pakistan and Qatar historically enjoy cordial relations and the visit of the naval chief will further augment and expand defence ties between the two countries in general and navies in particular.