Pakistan Naval Chief visits Turkish ship near Karachi

By Aamir Latif

KARACHI, Pakistan

Pakistan's Naval Chief, Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah on Sunday visited the Turkish ship, which is taking part in a multinational naval exercise in the Arabian Sea near Pakistan's southern port city Karachi.

Admiral Zakaullah, who also visited ships from Russia, China, Australia and other countries, visited Turkish ship, TSG Gelibolu, where he was welcomed with a guard of honor by the Turkish navy crew, said a statement from Pakistan Navy.

Some 37 nations, including Turkey are taking part in the four-day exercise billed as "Aman" or Peace. The exercise that began on last Friday is held by Pakistan Navy every alternate year since 2007.

During an informal chat onboard, Admiral Zakaullah thanked the Turkish crew for their participation in the exercise to fulfill the common resolve of "together for peace", the statement said.

He said that Pakistan Navy had been the frontrunner in quest for collaborative security in this region of immense importance, and that the ongoing exercise was anchored on that concept.

The commanding officers of the Turkish and other ships acknowledge the serious efforts of Pakistan Navy by bringing together global navies towards a shared commitment of maritime peace, stability and lawful order at sea, the statement added.

Admiral Zakaullah also recorded his remarks in guest book at the Turkish ship, the statement concluded.