Manama, November 28 (BNA) The Pakistan Navy, along with its coalition partners, remains committed to keeping approximately 3.2 million square miles of international waters safe.
Pakistan Ambassador Muhammad Ayub said that the Pakistan Navy is a long-time contributor to international security operations as a participant in the Multinational Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), in particular the group’s Combined Joint Task Force 150 and Joint Anti-Piracy Task Force 151.
The Ambassador was speaking during a reception aboard the BNS Per Massah at Mina Salman marking 50 years of diplomatic relations between Bahrain and Pakistan.
“As a partner in the Joint Task Force, Pakistan Navy ships with strategic assets and personnel carry out important missions to advance security, stability and prosperity across nearly 3.2 million square miles of international waters, including some of the world’s most important shipping lanes,” he said.
The Pakistan Navy has a rare distinction between driving the CTF-150 and CTF-151 eleven and nine times, respectively. Pakistan has also established its own regional maritime security patrol. The Pakistan Navy and the Royal Bahraini Naval Forces have been working together to enhance maritime security in the region over the years.”
The reception was attended by Rear Admiral Mohammed Yousef Al-Asam, Commander of the Royal Bahraini Naval Forces, Bahrain Defense Force officers, diplomats and members of the Pakistani community.
Our defense forces have deep-rooted cooperation in various fields, including training, joint exercises, consulting and coordination on matters of common interest. The Pakistan Navy in particular has played a pivotal role in strengthening our bilateral relations.”
I am confident that this friendly visit by the ships of the Pakistan Navy will enhance the bilateral relations of the Pakistan Navy with the Royal Bahraini Naval Forces in various fields.
The ambassador said that the current mission is of great importance as it coincides with the fiftieth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Bahrain.
To celebrate this historic achievement, we have planned several events, including cultural and sporting activities throughout the year. Pakistan and Bahrain have long-standing relations rooted in our shared faith and shared cultural and social values. These relations are based on solidarity, brotherhood, mutual trust and support. The Pakistani diaspora, including skilled workers, entrepreneurs and educated people, forms a strong bridge between our two countries.”
In his speech, Rear Admiral Rehan Ali Khan, Commander of the Pakistan Unity Mission, highlighted the importance of the Pakistan Navy and its coalition partners in maintaining the peace, stability and free flow of shipping lanes in the region which is a major trade route.
PNS’s current mission to Manama consists of two ships from the Pakistan Navy and one from the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency.
Commander Rehan Ali Khan said at the reception that “Pakistan believes in strengthening peace and security in the region and has remained committed to the international community in maintaining stability and curbing terrorism in all its forms.”
“The Pakistan Navy, as an instrument of government policy, has a mission to protect freedom of the seas and commerce. In this regard, the Pakistan Navy has taken an initiative by deploying its Regional Maritime Security Patrol (RMSP) units.
He added that the objective of the RMSP is to maintain a presence along critical choke points and areas in the region to meet international obligations to maritime security and protect national shipping while observing freedom of navigation across the high seas.
Our current visit of the ships of the Pakistan Navy to Bahrain opens new horizons for future cooperation in the maritime field and also a contribution from the Pakistan Navy in the celebration of 50 years of establishing Pakistan-Bahrain diplomatic relations. Pakistan also shares the will and desire to make all efforts to eradicate piracy and its underlying causes.”