KARACHI: A bilateral naval exercise was conducted between the Turkish and Pakistan naval forces in the North Arabian Sea on Saturday with an aim to enhance interoperability and to contribute towards better regional maritime security.

Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (Operations) Vice Admiral Zafar Mehmood Abbasi and Commander Pakistan Fleet Vice Admiral Arifullah Hussaini along with Turkish Mission Commander witnessed the exercise on board the Turkish ship TCG Buyukada.

A statement issued by the Pakistan Navy said that the exercise at sea covered a number of serials including anti-air warfare operations, communication drills, and joint manoeuvres by the participating surface ships, aircraft and helicopters from both sides.

Flag officers appreciated the professional competence of both the navies and expressed their satisfaction over the level of proficiency displayed during the exercise.

The bilateral exercise would provide valuable opportunity for navies of both countries to learn from each other’s experiences and refine their warfare tactics.

The Turkish ship, TCG Buyukada, is on a goodwill visit to Pakistan.

The regular exchange visits and conduct of bilateral exercise by both the navies is a testimony to the trust and cooperation between the two countries, said the statement.

The current visit of the Turkish naval ship would further enhance the defence ties and mutual collaboration between the two countries in general and the two navies in particular, added the statement.

Published in Dawn, October 30th, 2016