Newly commissioned PN ship YAMAMA docks at Turkish naval bases

Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) Yamama has completed a visit to the Turkish ports of Gölcük and Aksas, aimed at strengthening naval cooperation between the two countries.

Upon its arrival at the ports, PNS Yamama was warmly welcomed by senior officials from the Pakistani Embassy in Turkey, along with high-ranking officers from the Turkish Navy. The visit marked a significant moment in bilateral relations as both nations worked to foster deeper ties.

Vice Admiral Ibrahim Ozden Kocer, Deputy Commander of the Turkish Naval Fleet, also visited PNS Yamama. During the visit, he was given a detailed briefing on the ship’s operational capabilities and features.

A key highlight of the visit was the naval exercise "Mavi Vatan" (Blue Homeland), conducted between PNS Yamama and Turkish Navy ships. The exercise aimed to enhance cooperation, improve joint operational capabilities, and deepen the strategic partnership between the two navies.

The visit will further promote diplomatic and naval relations, solidifying the ties between Pakistan and Turkey. It also symbolises the growing military collaboration between the two nations, with both sides committed to increasing operational cooperation in the maritime domain.

The PNS Yamama's visit will continue to provide opportunities for future collaboration in various defence and security initiatives, further strengthening the brotherly relationship between the two countries.

Meanwhile, a top Bangladeshi military official is on a rare visit to Pakistan and visited the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi on Tuesday to hold meetings with Pakistan military leadership.

Lt-Gen S M Kamr-ul-Hassan, Principal Staff Officer (PSO) of the Armed Forces Division of Bangladesh, who is the second in command, is the first top Bangladeshi general to have travelled to Islamabad in many years.

The visit of the Lt-Gen Hassan, who is accompanied by senior army officers, highlights the shift in bilateral ties between the two countries since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina government in August last year as a result of violent protests.