In a first, Pakistan Navy joins regional maritime security patrols in Gulf
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*KARACHI:* Pakistan Navy (PN) Ship *SAIF*, F22-P class destroyer of Pakistan Navy Fleet on Sunday visited Port Muscat at Oman during first Regional Maritime Security Patrol (RMSP) deployment in Gulf of Aden & Southern Red Sea Region.
The objective of RSMP is to maintain PN presence along critical choke points and sea areas in Indian Ocean Region to fulfill international obligations for maritime security and safeguarding both national international shipping by preserving freedom of navigation at high seas.
During the visit, Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) commanding ffficer SAIF called-on Royal Navy of Oman’s head of fleet staff and other officials. He conveyed well wishes from Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood to the 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’s Commodore Saif Bin Mohammad Al Habsi, Commanding Officer Said Bin Sultan Naval Base, while Ambassador of Pakistan to Oman H E Ali Javed was the Chief Host of the event.
The reception was attended by large number of guests including Pakistani and Omani community members, diplomats, officials and other dignitaries.
Ship remained open for local visitors, which provided unique opportunity to overseas Pakistanis to have a glimpse of life onboard ships of their homeland naval force.
Pakistan and Oman enjoy close diplomatic ties and cordial relations. The visit of PNS SAIF is expected to provide new vistas to further strengthen these relations. Officers of PNS SAIF engaged in various interactions during the port visit to ensure continuity in bilateral collaboration.
In order to enhance interoperability with Royal Oman Navy, PNS SAIF will also conduct Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with RN Ship KHASSAB.
Upon completion of PASSEX, PNS SAIF will resume Regional Maritime Security Patrols in the Gulf of Aden.
PN has always contributed significantly in assuring a secure maritime environment for merchantmen by actively deploying ships in counter terrorism and anti-piracy operations.
Continued active presence of PN depicts its resolve to curb menace of terrorism, drug and human trafficking and piracy on high seas.
