Pakistan, US navies hold joint drill in Arabian Sea
USS MONTEREY (CG-61) of US Navy was received with traditional warmth and cordiality at Karachi port. PHOTO: Pakistan Navy
The US and Pakistani navies held a joint military drill in the North Arabian Sea, said Pakistan Navy in statement on Thursday.
The drill ‘Passage Exercise’ involving various seamanship and warfare drills, was conducted during the visit of the US Navy’s USS Monterey (CG-61).
During the drill, naval officials from both countries discussed professional issues.
“Pakistan Navy and US Navy are working together to ensure safe and secure maritime environment in the region,” the statement added.
The visit, it added, will further strengthen relations between both the navies.
Pakistan Navy has also participated in Coalition Maritime Campaign Plan since 2004 and is presently undertaking regional maritime security patrols to ensure safe and secure seas for the common cause of peace and stability in the region, the statement added.
Earlier, the US guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61), deployed with the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKE CSG), conducted a scheduled sustainment and logistics port visit to Karachi on June 8 to 9.
During the ship’s visit, US Embassy chargé d’affaires Lesslie Viguerie came aboard and met with the crew, the US diplomatic mission said in a statement released on Wednesday.
“The military-to-military ties between the United States and Pakistan are strong and enduring,” it said, quoting Chargé Viguerie.
“Through staff exchanges and joint exercises, we are working together to protect the world’s most important shipping lanes, combat piracy, and counter terrorism. Together, we can help ensure a more peaceful, stable, and prosperous South Asia.”
(With input from Anadolu Agency)