KARACHI (Dunya News) – Opening ceremony of the bilateral exercise “Sea Guardian-2023” between Pakistan Navy and the PLA Navy was held at the Pakistan Navy Dockyard in Karachi on Saturday.
Commander Qingdao Naval Base, Rear Admiral Liang Yang, graced the occasion as the guest of honour. Commander Pakistan Fleet, Vice Admiral Muhammad Faisal Abbasi, was also present on the occasion.
In his opening remarks, Vice Admiral Muhammad Faisal Abbasi welcomed the officers and personnel of the PLA Navy flotilla, underscoring the close and strategic ties between the two countries in general and navies in particular.
The admiral laid emphasis on the importance of immaculate and sound planning during the exercise, and hoped that this exercise would further enhance strategic cooperation and interoperability between the two navies.
During his speech, Commander Qingdao Naval Base Rear Admiral Liang Yang thanked the Pakistan Navy for hosting the exercise, and hoped to have a mutually benefiting and professionally rewarding experience from the joint exercise.
Earlier, Chinese flotilla comprising of naval ships, submarine and submarine rescue ship along with PLA Navy marines corps detachment, arrived in Karachi to participate in the exercise.
During the exercise, frontline destroyers/ frigates along with air and other assets, and marines/ special forces from the Pakistan Navy and the PLA Navy will carry out advance level joint drills and naval maneuvers in north Arabian Sea besides professional and social activities during the harbor phase.
The aim of the exercise is to share professional experiences on contemporary traditional and non-traditional threats in the Indian Ocean region as well as to enhance bilateral cooperation and interoperability between the two navies.
The exercise is a reflection of strong bilateral military cooperation between the Pakistan Navy and the Chinese Navy and will foster greater bilateral cooperation between the two navies. The ceremony was attended by a large number of military officials from both the navies.