Pakistan Navy marks 50 years of diplomatic ties with Bahrain with port visit

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Pakistan Navy along with coalition partners remains committed to keeping around 3.2 million square miles of international waters safe.

Ambassador of Pakistan Muhammad Ayub said that Pakistan Navy is a longtime contributor to international security operations as a participant in the multinational Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), particularly the Group’s Combined Task Force 150 and anti-piracy Combined Task Force 151.

The ambassador was speaking during an onboard reception held onboard PNS Behr Masah at Salman Port marking the 50 years of diplomatic ties between Bahrain and Pakistan.

“As a partner of the Combined Task Force, Pakistan Navy ships with strategic assets and personnel are carrying out important missions to promote security, stability, and prosperity across approximately 3.2 million square miles of international waters, encompassing some of the world's most important shipping lanes,” he said.

“Pakistan Navy has the rare distinction of commanding CTF-150 and CTF-151 eleven and nine times, respectively. Pakistan also has created its own Regional Maritime Security Patrol. Pakistan Navy and Bahrain Royal Naval Forces have been working together to promote maritime security in the region over the years."

The reception was attended by Rear Admiral Mohammed Yousif Al Asam Commander Royal Bahrain Naval Forces, BDF officers, diplomats, and Pakistan community members.

“Our Defence forces enjoy deep-rooted cooperation in diverse fields, including training, joint exercises, consultations, and coordination on matters of mutual interest. The Pakistan Navy, in particular, has played a pivotal role in strengthening our bilateral relations," he said.

“I am confident that this goodwill visit of Pakistan Navy ships will bolster Pakistan Navy’s bilateral relations with the Royal Bahrain Naval Forces in diverse avenues.

The ambassador said the current mission is of immense significance as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of Pakistan- Bahrain diplomatic relations.

“To celebrate this historic milestone, we have planned several events, including cultural and sporting activities throughout the year. Pakistan and Bahrain enjoy long standing relations rooted in our common faith, shared cultural and social values. These relations are based on solidarity, fraternity, mutual trust, and support. The Pakistani diaspora, including skilled workers, businessmen and educated professionals, is a strong bridge between our two countries."

Commodore Rehan Ali Khan, Mission Commander of Pakistan Contingent in his speech highlighted the importance of the Pakistan Navy and its coalition partners in maintaining peace, stability and free flow of shipping lines in the region which accounts for a major trade route. 

The current PNS mission to Manama comprises two ships from the Pakistan Navy and one from the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency.

“Pakistan believes in promoting peace and security in the region and has remained committed to international community for maintaining stability and to curb terrorism in all its forms,” Commander, Rehan Ali Khan told the reception.

“Pakistan Navy, as an instrument of Government policy, has a mission to safeguard freedom of seas and trade. In this regard, the Pakistan Navy has taken initiative by deploying its units for Regional Maritime Security Patrol (RMSP),” he said.

The objective of RMSP is to maintain presence along critical choke points and areas in the region to fulfill international obligations for maritime security and safeguard national shipping while observing freedom of navigation across high seas, he added.

“Our current visit of Pakistan Navy ships to Bahrain opens new vistas for future cooperation in the maritime arena and also a contribution from Pakistan navy towards the celebration of the 50th year of Pakistan Bahrain diplomatic relation. Pakistan also shares the will and desire to make all out efforts for eradication of piracy and elimination of its underlying causes.”