(MENAFN- The Peninsula) By Sidi Mohamed | The Peninsula
Doha: A Pakistani Navy Task Group comprising of four Pakistan Navy have docked at Hamad Port on December 31, 2018.
The four battleships will participate in exercise PASSEX that will take place in Qatar's regional and economic waters with the participation of Qatari Amiri Naval Forces. This Task Group is visiting Qatar on a flag showing mission depicting the fraternal and deep-bonded relations between the two countries.
Commodore Muhammad Saleem, Mission Commander Pakistan Navy Task Group, said that this is the first time that such a large group of ships from Pakistan Navy has visited Qatar which is a testimony of the deep-rooted brotherly relations existing between the two countries in general and Pakistan Navy and Qatari Amiri Naval Forces in particular.
During a reception hosted onboard PNS Khaibar yesterday, Commodore Muhammad Saleem elaborated on the significant role being played by Pakistan Navy towards maintenance of peace and freedom of navigation within the region.
Murad Baseer, Charge d'Affaires; Commodore Irfan Taj, Defence Attache at the Embassy of Islamic Republic of Pakistan attended the reception. Also Brigadier (Naval) Hamad Mohammad Al Dosari, Officiating Commander Qatari Amiri Naval Forces, was present as chief guest.
Officials from various ministries of Qatar, Ambassadors, military attaches, members of diplomatic community graced the occasion. Beside them, a large number of prominent Pakistani expatriates also attended the event.
'Pakistan's relations with Qatar are multi-faceted and deep rooted based on sound religious and cultural affinities. Defence cooperation between the two countries is noteworthy as Pakistan has been imparting training to Defence Forces of Qatar and large number of Pakistani Armed Forces personnel are on deputation to Qatari Armed Forces, Saleem said.
On culmination of his speech, a cake was cut by the Guest of Honour along with the Pakistan Embassy officials and Mission Commodore. Later on the gathering was served with the delicious and mouthwatering Pakistani cuisine. Commodore Saleem said the current visit of Pakistan Navy ships is a manifestation of Pakistan-Qatar strong service relationship and a reflection of both countries desire to further enhance it.
'Similarly, I am very confident in saying that brotherly relations between Pakistan and Qatar will grow further and strengthen manifolds.
He added: 'Pakistan believes in promoting peace, security and freedom of seas in the region. In this context, Pakistan Navy, in conjunction with international and regional navies is participating in multinational operations, commonly known as Coalition Maritime Campaign Plan (CMCP) since April 2004, he added.
Commodore Irfan Taj, said that for the first time, Pakistan had sent four navy warships which indicated strong bilateral relations.
Speaking to The Peninsula about this visit of Pakistan Navy ships, he said: 'Pakistan Navy is strong regional navy and it patrols regional waters and maintains freedom of navigation by providing security against piracy and other issues.
He also noted that the four ships arrived on December 31 and will be sailing back tomorrow. 'The month of December is very important for Qatar because of country's National Day is celebrated on December 18 so commemorating and celebrating National Day of Qatar is also part of these ships' visit to Qatar, he pointed out.
About the reception, he said it was a naval tradition. 'Whenever ships are on flag showing mission, we hold are diplomatic reception where we invite staff and officers of host navy, diplomatic community and also Pakistani expatriates so they can come and visit the ships and meet officers.
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