Pakistan Navy ships recently visited ports in Kuwait and Iraq to participate in joint exercises with their counterparts, bolstering diplomatic and naval cooperation in the Arabian Gulf, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Sunday.
Strategic Visits to Regional Allies
The Pakistan Navy Ships (PNS) Rasadgar and Azmat docked at Kuwait’s Al-Shuwaikh port, while the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) ship Dasht arrived at Iraq’s Umm Qasr port. Warm welcomes were extended by local officials and the mission commanders held productive meetings with senior naval leaders in both nations.
“These visits are expected to further strengthen the already robust diplomatic and naval relations with our friendly nations,” stated the ISPR.
Joint Exercises for Enhanced Cooperation
The visits featured joint naval exercises with the Kuwaiti and Iraqi navies, aimed at fostering mutual operational capabilities and enhancing interoperability between the forces. Discussions during the visits focused on maritime security, cooperative measures, and improved communication channels.
Regional Peace and Stability in Focus
The Pakistan Navy emphasized that such collaborations are pivotal for promoting regional peace and deterring maritime crimes such as piracy, drug trafficking, and other illicit activities.
Earlier this month, the Pakistan Navy conducted bilateral drills with the Royal Oman Navy’s ship Alseeb under the “Samar Al-Tayeb” exercise series, which is held regularly between the two nations.
Multinational Maritime Role
In July, Pakistan assumed leadership of a multinational task force tasked with safeguarding maritime security in critical waterways, including the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, and Gulf of Aden.
These initiatives highlight Pakistan’s ongoing commitment to fostering international cooperation and ensuring stability in the region’s strategic maritime routes.