ISLAMABAD – Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi calledon Commander Royal Navy of Oman Rear Admiral Abdullah Bin Khamis Al Raisiand Commandant of Sultan Qaboos Naval Academy separately during hisofficial visit to Sultanate of Oman.
Upon his arrival at Royal Navy of Oman Headquarters, Admiral Zafar MahmoodAbbasi was received by his counterpart Rear Admiral Abdullah Bin Khamis AlRaisi. A smartly turned out contingent of Royal Omani Navy clad inceremonial dress presented him the guard of honour.
Later, the Chief of the Naval Staff called on Commander Royal Navy of Oman.During the meeting, discussions on professional matters including bilateralnaval collaboration and security environment in Indian Ocean Region wereheld. Various avenues of cooperation between the two Navies were alsofocused. A comprehensive brief on Royal Oman Navy was given to AdmiralZafar Mahmood Abbasi.
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi highlightedPakistan’s contributions in fight against terrorism and ensured maritimesecurity at sea by protecting national and international shipping plying inthe Indian Ocean Region against threats of piracy, maritime terrorism,narco-arms smuggling and human trafficking.
Rear Admiral Abdullah Bin Khamis Al Raisi lauded Pakistan Navy’s effortsand focused commitments in support of maritime security in the region. RearAdmiral Abdullah Bin Khamis Al Raisi also appreciated the professionalismof Pakistan Navy personnel and acknowledged the valuable training supportbeing provided to Royal Navy of Oman by Pakistan Navy. Both the dignitariesagreed to further enhance the interaction between the two navies in diversefields of training, mutual visits and defence collaboration.
Later during the day, Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi visited Said Bin SultanNaval Base, Sultan Qaboos Naval Academy, Royal Navy of Oman Ship and FleetMaintenance Facility.
During the meeting with Commandant Sultan Qaboos Naval Academy, matters ofmutual interest including professional and academic training and groomingof young officers were discussed. Chief of the Naval Staff also visitedvarious segments/ sections of the Academy and interacted with Midshipmenand cadets.
This CNS visit is taking place concurrent with the port visit of PakistanNavy Ship SAIF to Oman currently deployed in North Arabian Sea; that is yetanother manifestation of the ongoing collaboration which will furtherexpand and strengthen in future.