CNS meets US military, political leadership
The US dignitaries appreciated role and contribution of Pakistan for maintaining peace and stability
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi, who is on an official visit to USA to attend 23rd International Seapower Symposium-2018, on Tuesday met the country’s civil and military leadership.
In a statement issued by the Directorate of Public Relations of Pakistan Navy, the Naval Chief held separate meetings with US Congresswoman Sheila Jackson, Acting Asia Pacific (DoD Policy) Randall Shriver, President Center for New American Security Richard Fontaine, Vice President Heritage Dr James Jay Carafano and CEO Atlantic Council, Fredrick Kempe.
During the meetings, matters pertaining to mutual interest including bilateral defence ties and security environment in Indian Ocean Region came under discussion.
On the occasion. the Admiral Zafar Mahmood highlighted that Pakistan and US shared common perspective of having stable, secure and peaceful maritime environment to support global economy. Pakistan’s overall commitment and performance in fight against terrorism and particularly Pakistan Navy’s efforts for maintaining regional peace and security were also highlighted.
He reiterated the need for enhancing global efforts to effectively confront the trans-national challenges and threats in the maritime domain.
The US dignitaries appreciated the role and contribution of Pakistan for maintaining peace and stability in the maritime domain.
Interactions and round table discussions with prominent US Think Tanks and academia were also held. During the discussion, while underscoring the challenges to Indian Ocean security, the Naval chief elaborated Pakistan’s initiative of Regional Maritime Security Patrol (RMSP) which is solely aimed to shoulder international obligations towards safe and secure maritime environment in the region.
Earlier, Admiral Zafar Mahmood also met Pakistan’s Ambassador to US, Ali Jehangir Siddiqui.
A media interaction with Pakistani and international media personnel was also held. During the interaction, the Naval Chief highlighted Pakistan’s Maritime Perspective with special focus on PN contributions to regional maritime security and opportunities offered by CPEC to the region.
He briefed that Gwadar is purely a commercial harbour and so far no foreign warship has entered Gwadar Port.
Admiral Zafar Mahmood also mentioned that as an ardent supporter of regional peace and collaborative maritime security, Pakistan Navy has planned to conduct Multinational Naval Exercise AMAN-19 wherein around 50 countries are expected to join hands for a common resolve of ‘Together for Peace’.
