UK flagship HMS Gloucester arrived in Karachi on June 3rd as part of a two-day visit to Pakistan. The ship, captained by Commander Mike Paterson, also carried Rear Admiral Neil Morisetti, Commander United Kingdom Maritime Force. Admiral Morisetti is in command of the UK led 'Aquila 06' Task Group, which is currently deployed to the Indian Ocean.
The visit presented an opportunity to express the strength of the continuing friendship between the UK and Pakistan.
During his visit to Karachi, Admiral Morisetti met Commander Pakistan Naval Forces, Vice Admiral Asif Humayum, Rear Admiral Mahmood A. Khan, and Rear Admiral Bakhtiar Mohsin.
Their discussions focussed on the continuing need to provide maritime security, which is vital to supporting stability and economic growth of countries. Captain Mike Paterson held a reception for Pakistani naval officers, business community and expatriates aboard HMS Gloucester.
The Royal Navy crew also found time for some fun as they engaged in an exciting sailing competition and football match with their Pakistani counterparts. The football match was played between HMS Gloucester and PN Karsaz.
The sailing match proved to be very exciting, and was won by a team of Pakistani and British sailors, Mustafa Tapal and 'Muli', after a tough competition. The UK greatly appreciates Pakistani efforts to defeat terrorism and disrupt the trafficking of illegal drugs.
In particular it recognises the importance of deterring piracy on the high seas, so that legitimate trade may continue safely and without harassment, a release from UK High Commission said on Monday.
As part of the UK's commitment to coalition operations in the region, HMS Gloucester will be assigned to work within the multinational force CTF 150, under the tactical control of Pakistan's Rear Admiral Iqbal based in Bahrain.
Combating terrorism depends upon the international community to work together and the Aquilla Task Group programme this year includes exercises with both the Indian and Pakistani Navy, and looks forward to continued co-operation with these countries.
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