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Sunday, January 13, 2013
Pak, Saudi navel forces start joint exercises
Staff Report
KARACHI: The navel forces of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have started joint exercise, ‘Naseem Al Bahr-X’ at the Arabian Sea near Ormara on Saturday.
Briefing the media persons about the joint exercise at Jinnah Navel Base Ormara, the Commander Pakistan Fleet, Rear Admiral M. Zakaullah said that it needed no emphasis that present day navies were largely focused on policing roles and sharing of resources for maritime security operations against asymmetric threats as well as contemporary challenges like piracy, terrorism, narcotics, arms and human smuggling which had a great impact on the maritime environment.
He said that countering these multifarious maritime security challenges required collaborative approach at regional as well as international level. To this end, Pakistan Navy as a responsible maritime power was contributing relentlessly in maintaining legitimate maritime order at sea through conducting Maritime Security Operations in the Arabian Sea and beyond.
He said that Pakistan Navy regularly conducted bilateral and multilateral exercises with regional and extra regional navies to improve its inter-operability with international navies. These exercises are a clear manifestation of Pakistan’s commitment towards maintaining peace and stability in the region. Naseem Al Bahr is one such bilateral maritime exercise conducted with brotherly navy, Royal Saudi Naval Forces.
According to him, Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) not only enjoyed deep-rooted fraternal ties, but also share historic maritime traditions. Naseem Al Bahar (NAB) is a biennial exercise, which was evolved as manifestation of the unique Pak-Saudi interpersonal relationship and mutual resolve to enhance bilateral cooperation in facing the common challenges. Participation of RSNF ships in this exercise will further strengthen existing bilateral relations between the two navies.
He said that at this juncture the Pakistan Navy thanked to KSA and particularly, Royal Saudi Naval Forces, for their participation in the exercise, which was scheduled from January 12 to 22 off Makran coast.
According to him, four RSNF ships which include frigate (HMS MAKKAH) embarked with Dauphin helicopter, a guided missile equipped patrol craft (HMS TABUK), Mine Counter Measures Vessel (HMS SHAQRA) and a tanker (HMS BORAIDA) were participating in the exercise. In addition, one platoon of RSNF Marines and one Special Operations Force team along with Explosive Ordnance Disposal elements have also arrived in Pakistan for various exercises. Three PN destroyers/ frigates, missile boats, mine hunters, submarine, PN Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft, Helicopters, elements of Pak Marines, Special Services Group (Navy) and PAF fighters are representing Pakistan in this exercise.
Sea phase of the exercise is planned from Jan 15 to 20 in which RSNF and PN units will operate together and will exercise all facets of modern warfare.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk
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