Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi who is on official visit to Iraq on Tuesday held separate meetings with Commander Iraqi Navy Admiral Ahmed Jaasim Maarij and Defence Minister Jumma Inad Sadoon Khattab. According to a press release received here, the Naval Chief upon his arrival at Naval Headquarters Basra, was received by Commander Iraqi Navy Admiral Ahmed Jaasim Maarij and was presented Guard of Honour.
During the meeting of Admiral Amjad Niazi with Commander Iraqi Navy, regional maritime security and professional matters of mutual interest including bilateral naval collaboration came under discussion.
The Naval Chief highlighted Pakistan Navy’s efforts for ensuring maritime security in the region including Regional Maritime Security Patrols and participation in Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). The Admiral also visited Naval Base Um Qasir and Iraqi Naval Academy where a briefing was given to the Naval Chief. Later during call-on with Defence Minister Jumma Inad Sadoon Khattab, professional matters of mutual interest including bilateral defence collaboration were discussed. Admiral Amjad Khan Niazi underscored the importance of enhancing interactions between the armed forces of both countries through exercises and training exchange programmes. The Iraqi Defence Minister while acknowledging the significance of strong bilateral military cooperation in diverse realms, stressed on enhancing collaborations in expanded military domains. The visit of the Naval Chief was expected to further augment and expand defence ties between the two countries in general and navies in particular.
