Pakistan, Türkey hold joint naval drill in Arabian Sea

Turkish Navy delegation meets with Pakistan Navy commanders during port call

ISLAMABAD:

The navies of Pakistan and Türkey conducted joint naval drills in the north Arabian Sea, an official statement said on Friday.

The two navies carried out coordinated patrols and naval exercises, said the Pakistani Navy in a statement, which added the drills were held upon the completion of a "goodwill" visit to Pakistan by Turkish Navy ship TCG Kinaliada.

"The drills comprised of various naval operations including defence against asymmetric threats, visit board search and seizure and air defence exercises aimed to further hone professional skills and enhance interoperability between the two navies," said the statement.

Earlier, during the port call, a delegation from the Turkish Navy, led by Turkish Navy Chief of Staff Vice Admiral Ibrahim Ozdem Kocer, met with Pakistan Navy field commanders and officials to discuss matters of mutual interest and explore further avenues for collaboration, the statement added.

The Turkish Navy delegation also laid a floral wreath at the Mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah to pay homage to the founder of Pakistan.

"Pakistan and Türkiye enjoy historically very warm and brotherly relations, and the visit of Turkish Navy ship to Pakistan is a manifestation of strong bilateral ties between both countries," said the Pakistan Navy.

The visit of Turkish Navy officers and ship will "further enhance the existing ties between the two nations in general and collaboration between the two navies in particular," it added.