The closing ceremony of bilateral exercise Sea Guardian – 2023 between the Pakistan Navy and the Peoples Liberation Army (Navy) of China was held at the Pakistan Navy Dockyard on Friday.
The exercise was conducted at Karachi and North Ara-bian Sea, in which six Chinese Navy units, including De-stroyer, Frigates, Submarine, Oil Tanker and Rescue Ship along with a detachment of marines participated, a Pakistan Navy news release said. The exercise included a wide range of operational manoeuvers encompassing major facets of Anti-Surface, Anti-Air, Mine Warfare and Special Operations in simulated multi-threat envi-ronment to provide optimum training value.
The aim of exercise was to further enhance maritime cooperation and defence relations through mutual exchange of mari-time experience and interoperability between the two na-vies. Concurrent to the Chinese PLA (Navy) ships visit, Commander Qingdao Naval Base Rear Admiral Liang Yang also visited Pakistan. Besides attending the closing ceremony, the Flag Officer called on Commander Coast, Commander Pakistan Fleet and other senior PN officials. During interaction matters of bilateral naval collabora-tion and regional maritime security were discussed.
Exercise Sea Guardian – 23 proved mutually rewarding to hone professional skills of the two navies and a forum to learn from each others experiences. Regular conduct of bilateral naval exercise is a manifestation of mutual resolve to further enhance bilateral cooperation between the two navies. The closing ceremony was attended by a large number of officials from both the navies.