ISLAMABAD: Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi said that Pakistan Navy would protect national maritime interests at all costs.

He was speaking in interaction with officers and naval personnel during his visit to Gwadar and Ormara on Saturday.

Upon arrival at Gwadar, Naval Chief was received by Commander Coast, Vice Admiral Faisal RasulLodhi.

The Naval Chief met the officers and other naval personnel deployed in the coastal area and appreciated their commitment and enthusiasm.

While interacting with the troops deployed at Makran Coast, the Naval Chief commended officers and men for their high morale, commitment and spirit of sacrifice to safeguarded maritime boundaries of Pakistan.

Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi also inaugurated newly constructed Marines Training Centre. This Centre will provide basic training and advanced courses to Marines from Pakistan and friendly countries.

The MTC is one of the premier institutes of Pakistan Navy designed to impart basic Marines Officers and specialized professional courses to Pakistan Navy and participants from friendly Countries.

Establishment of training centre at Gwadar is a significant initiative by Pakistan Navy to cater futuristic training requirements and enhance presence along the coast. Besides, newly raised PN air defence setup at Ormara will afford comprehensive air defence cover to sensitive installations located at coastal region.

Addressing on the occasion, Naval Chief highlighted the importance of security of entire coast and Gwadar port in relation to China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The Admiral also reiterated Pakistan Navy's resolve to safeguard the maritime interests of the Nation at all cost.

During visit to Ormara, the Naval Chief also inaugurated new infrastructure of the 21st Air Defense Battalion, which will further strengthen air defence of installations in coastal areas.