(MENAFN) Pakistan’s naval chief, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, landed in Bangladesh on Sunday for a four-day official visit aimed at strengthening defense relations between the two countries.

Shortly after his arrival, Ashraf held talks with Bangladesh Army chief Gen. Waker-Uz-Zaman at the Army Headquarters, according to a statement from the Bangladesh military.

During the meeting, the two leaders explored avenues to "strengthen bilateral defense cooperation and military capabilities," and discussed "the prospects for expanding military cooperation through bilateral training, seminars, and visits."

Ashraf’s visit follows the docking of Pakistan’s naval vessel PNS SAIF at Chattogram, Bangladesh’s principal southeastern port, for a four-day goodwill mission scheduled to run through Nov. 12.

The deployment comes after a Pakistani cargo ship visited the same port last year, shortly after the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus assumed office.

In a statement, the Pakistan Navy said, "The coordinated engagement underscores Pakistan's commitment to strengthen longstanding ties and improve maritime collaboration with Bangladesh."

Relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan have warmed since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted in a mass uprising on August 5, 2024, forcing her into exile in India.

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