KARACHI: The opening ceremony of Pakistan Navy and the Navy of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) bilateral Exercise Sea Guardian-2023 was held at the Pakistan Navy Dockyard here on Saturday.

Commander Qingdao Naval Base, Rear Admiral Liang Yang graced the occasion as the guest of honour. Commander Pakistan Fleet, Vice Admiral Muhammad Faisal Abbasi was also present on the occasion.

In his opening remarks, Vice Admiral Abbasi underscored the close and strategic ties between the two countries in general and navies in particular.

He emphasised on the importance of immaculate and sound planning during the exercise and hoped that this exercise will further enhance strategic cooperation and interoperability between the two navies.

During his speech, Commander Qingdao Naval Base, Rear Admiral Liang Yang thanked the Pakistan Navy for hosting Exercise Sea Guardian and hoped to have a mutually benefiting and professionally rewarding experience from the joint exercise.

Earlier, Chinese Flotilla comprising naval ships, submarine and submarine rescue ship along with PLA (Navy) Marines Corps Detachment, arrived in Karachi to participate in the exercise.

During the exercise, front-line destroyers/ frigates along with air and other assets and marines/ special forces from Pakistan Navy and PLA (Navy) will carry out advance level joint drills and naval maneuvers in north Arabian Sea besides professional and social activities during the harbour phase.

The aim of Sea Guardian-2023 is to share professional experiences on contemporary traditional and non-traditional threats in the Indian Ocean Region as well as to enhance bilateral cooperation and interoperability between the two Navies.

The exercise is a reflection of strong bilateral military cooperation between Pakistan Navy and Chinese Navy and will foster greater bilateral cooperation between the two navies. The ceremony was attended by a large number of military officials from both the navies.

Published in Dawn, November 12th, 2023