Two Pakistani naval ships PNS Moawin and PNS Khyber will reach Malaysian port of Langkawi to attend LIMA-09 to promote bilateral naval ties. Pakistani ships will stay in Langkawi from November 30 to December 6, to enhance defence relations and goodwill between the two countries, says a press release issued by Pakistan's High Commission in Kuala Lumpur.
The High Commissioner for Pakistan, Lieutenant General Tahir Mahmud Qazi (Retd) while commenting upon the visit said it was yet another milestone in keeping up the good naval traditions of strengthening ties of friendship between the two brotherly nations of Pakistan and Malaysia and their two navies.
Tahir Qazi said military co-operation between Armed forces of the two countries in general and Pakistan Navy and Royal Malaysian Navy in particular, was an important feature of warm and cordial relations between the two countries. The High Commissioner said that Pakistan Navy is a regular participant of Malaysian Defence Exhibition LIMA (Lankawi International Maritime Air show) and we are proud of our strong naval association".
He expressed the hope to widen the existing scale of co-operation and added that regular visits of PN ships to Malaysia are also manifestation of importance Pakistan attached to its relations with Malaysia. During their stay, the ships will undertake number of activities, which includes Joint/Passage exercises with Royal Malaysian Navy on arrival and departure, reception onboard PNS Khyber on December 3. The ships be opened for visitors on the same day from 10am to 11 am.
The Defence Advisor for Pakistan High Commission, Commodore Zahid Akram said that PNS Moawin is a Netherlands made ship and was commissioned by the Pakistan Navy on 28th July 1994. Since then, she has been an active unit of 9th AUXIM Squadron and capable of replenishing task group at sea. It has the ability to carry fuel for approximately 180 frigate days at sea and with the help of onboard seeking helicopters, ship can meaningfully participate in Naval operations.
In addition, the ship has also provided relief to Tsunami victims in Sri Lanka and Indonesia. The motto of Moawin is "Anyway Anytime" Zahid said the second ship attending the "LIMA 09" is PNS Khyber. It is the fourth of eight Type-21 `AMAZON' class frigate. The ship was acquired by Pakistan Navy from United Kingdom and since its induction in Pakistan Navy, it has undergone major modifications and upgradation in its weapons and censors. The ship is capable of undertaking a variety of Naval operations covering entire spectrum of Naval warfare.