Naval Chief, French Ambassador discuss security situation

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – French Ambassador Marc Barety called on Naval Chief Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi on Friday. The matters pertaining to mutual interest, including bilateral maritime cooperation and regional security situation, were discussed in the meeting. Earlier, Closing Ceremony of sixth bilateral exercise Sea Guardians-2020 between Pakistan Navy and PLA (Navy), was held at Pakistan Navy Dockyard, Karachi. Deputy Commander of Southern Theatre Command PLA Vice Admiral Dong Jun graced the occasion as the chief guest. Commander Pakistan Fleet, Vice Admiral Asif Khaliq was also present on the occasion. While addressing the ceremony, Vice Admiral Asif Khaliq expressed his gratitude to Southern Theatre Command for their engagement and joint collaboration in exercise Sea Guardians-2020. While alluding to warm and cordial relations between the two countries, the admiral expressed satisfaction over mutually benefiting and professionally rewarding conduct of the exercise. The Pakistan Fleet commander also emphasized that such interactions will further improve exchange of professional experience in maritime threats, developing a synergistic approach in naval domains and stepping up the capabilities to ensure safe and sustainable maritime environment in the region. Earlier, Deputy Commander of Southern Theatre Command PLA Vice Admiral Dong Jun thanked Pakistan Navy for extending warm hospitality to visiting naval platforms/ assets of PLA (Navy). He hoped that this exercise will further enhance bilateral relationships and cooperation between the two countries in general and navies in particular. The Admiral also formally declared culmination of the exercise.