ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Navy Ship ASLAT with embarked Z9EC Anti SubmarineWarfare (ASW) helicopter called on Her Majesty Naval Base Portsmouth,United Kingdom; third Port of its Overseas Deployment to Mediterranean &European Countries.
The ongoing overseas deployment is aimed to strengthen friendly ties withMediterranean & European Countries through Naval Diplomacy, thuscontributing towards overall foreign policy objectives of the Government.Earlier the Ship had visited Port Aqaba, (Jordan) and Algiers, (Algeria).
Upon arrival at Port, PNS ASLAT was warmly welcomed by Commander Naval BasePortsmouth, High Commissioner of Pakistan and Defence and Naval Advisor.Royal Marines Band played melodious welcoming tunes. Ship’s arrival wasgiven wide electronic and press coverage.
PNS ASLAT Port Call to Portsmouth, United Kingdom was fully capitalized interms of professional and social interactions with host country in generaland Royal Navy in particular. PN Mission Commander, Commodore MuhammadFaisal Abbasi along with Commanding Officer PNS ASLAT held meetings withHigh Commissioner of UK to Pakistan, High Commissioner of Pakistan to UK,Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, Assistant Chief of Staff (Ships) Navy Command HQsand Commander Naval Base, Portsmouth. Moreover, Officers and CPOs/ Sailorsalso visited various Royal Navy training institutions including HMSVictory, the Flag Ship of 1st Sea Lord of the Royal Navy.——————————
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PN and RN enjoy a long standing relationship since independence ofPakistan. In the formative years, training facilities and technical advicerendered by RN laid solid foundation for the development of close tiesbetween the two Navies. Close collaboration exists between the two Naviesacross multiple domains including training, technical cooperation, highlevel visits etc. Both countries also enjoy strong political, diplomatic,economic and military ties. Efforts of Pakistan Navy towards combatingsecurity threats in Maritime domain and professional competence of men werehighly appreciated by their counterparts.
A reception was also hosted onboard PNS ASLAT at Portsmouth. A number offoreign diplomats, UK military Officers and notable Pakistani communityattended the event. 2nd Sea Lord, Vice Admiral Anthony Radakin graced theoccasion as Chief Guest. High Commissioner of Pakistan, Mr Rehman ChistiMember British Parliament, Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, Representatives of UKForeign & Commonwealth Office and UK MoD, Commander Portsmouth Flotilla andDefence Attaches of various countries were also present. As part of thevisit, Ship was opened for Pakistani visitors and large number of Pakistaniexpatriates overwhelmingly turned up to visit the ship.
The visit carries special significance for both the Navies as maiden PN-RNbilateral Exercise in UK waters is also part of Ship’s visit programme. TheExercise focuses on Maritime Interdiction Operations and other warfarerelated exercises between PN and RN Ships to enhance interoperability andto mutually benefit from each other’s experiences. PNS ASLAT’s port visitto UK will go a long way in further strengthening bilateral relationsbetween UK and Pakistan.