*KARACHI:* Pakistan Navy (PN) Ship *SAIF*, F22-P class destroyer ofPakistan Navy Fleet on Sunday visited Port Muscat at Oman during firstRegional Maritime Security Patrol (RMSP) deployment in Gulf of Aden &Southern Red Sea Region.
The objective of RSMP is to maintain PN presence along critical chokepoints and sea areas in Indian Ocean Region to fulfill internationalobligations for maritime security and safeguarding both nationalinternational shipping by preserving freedom of navigation at high seas.
During the visit, Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) commanding ffficer SAIFcalled-on Royal Navy of Oman’s head of fleet staff and other officials. Heconveyed well wishes from Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood tothe people of Oman in general and Royal Navy (RN) of Oman in particular.
A reception was also hosted onboard PNS SAIF which was graced by Oman’sCommodore Saif Bin Mohammad Al Habsi, Commanding Officer Said Bin SultanNaval Base, while Ambassador of Pakistan to Oman H E Ali Javed was theChief Host of the event.
The reception was attended by large number of guests including Pakistaniand Omani community members, diplomats, officials and other dignitaries.
Ship remained open for local visitors, which provided unique opportunity tooverseas Pakistanis to have a glimpse of life onboard ships of theirhomeland naval force.
Pakistan and Oman enjoy close diplomatic ties and cordial relations. Thevisit of PNS SAIF is expected to provide new vistas to further strengthenthese relations. Officers of PNS SAIF engaged in various interactionsduring the port visit to ensure continuity in bilateral collaboration.
In order to enhance interoperability with Royal Oman Navy, PNS SAIF willalso conduct Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with RN Ship KHASSAB.
Upon completion of PASSEX, PNS SAIF will resume Regional Maritime SecurityPatrols in the Gulf of Aden.
PN has always contributed significantly in assuring a secure maritimeenvironment for merchantmen by actively deploying ships in counterterrorism and anti-piracy operations.
Continued active presence of PN depicts its resolve to curb menace ofterrorism, drug and human trafficking and piracy on high seas.