Pakistan, UAE navies conduct joint exercise ‘NASL AL BAHR’

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Navy flotilla comprising Pakistan Navy ships TARIQ and HIMMAT visited Abu Dhabi to participate in International Defence Exhibition (IDEX)/ Naval Defence Exhibition(NAVDEX) and bilateral exercise 'NASL AL BAHR.'

“The IDEX/NAVDEX-19 is one of the leading trade shows for defence technology in the region. It is an ideal platform to exhibit leading edge military technology and share ideas in the rapidly developing world,” a Pakistan Navy (PN) press release said here Saturday.

Vice Admiral Abdul Aleem Chief of Staff (Personnel) also visited Abu Dhabi for interaction with military and civil leadership of UAE to strengthen relations between UAE and Pakistan in general and both navies in particular.

Pakistan Navy Ship TARIQ hosted a reception onboard during stay at the port. Federal Minister for Defence Production Zubaida Jalal, number of foreign diplomats, high rank military and civil officials of UAE, foreign participants of IDEX/ NAVDEX-19 and a large number of Pakistani community attended the reception.

Furthermore, both the ships remained open to visitors during the exhibition.

Deputy Commander UAE Naval Forces Cdre Abdullah Al Shahi visited Pakistan Navy Ships TARIQ and HIMMAT and interacted with officers and crew of the ship. Vice Admiral Abdul Aleem, Chief of Staff (Personnel) was also present onboard.

The deputy commander conveyed profound gratitude of Commander UAE Naval Forces for Pakistan Navy’s participation in IDEX/ NAVDEX.

Pakistan and UAE navies also conducted bilateral exercise NASL AL BAHR which was aimed to enhance interoperability between both the brotherly forces.

This is the 2nd series of the exercise conducted in UAE waters, whereas the 1st was held in 2014 in Pakistani waters.

During the two-day exercise a number of evolutions pertaining to Maritime Security Operations, Search and Rescue, Maneuvering drills, Maritime Infrastructure Protection, Communication and Warfare related exercises were undertaken. Vice Admiral Abdul Aleem Chief of Staff (Personnel) of Pakistan Navy and Fleet Commander UAE Naval Forces were also present onboard PNS TARIQ to witness the bilateral exercise.

The exercise NASL AL BAHR provided a common platform to Pakistan and UAE Navy to improve tactical procedures, and develop common understanding against asymmetric, air and surface threats in maritime domain.

Pakistan and UAE enjoy close and warm relations of brotherhood and friendship, which are based on strong foundations of the religious bonding and cultural affinity.

Accordingly, Pakistan and UAE navies have maintained very strong and close relations over the decades. The PN collaborates with UAE Navy on various professional issues including training, exercises, provision of trained manpower and port visit by Fleet units is in line with longstanding collaboration and brotherly ties between the two countries.

Professional experience gained by the both navies during the visit and exercise has been profoundly rewarding and will foster greater bilateral cooperation between the two brotherly navies.