Aman-2013 naval exercise kicks off

Staff Report

KARACHI: Multinational Exercise Aman-2013 formally commenced on Monday with a colourful flag hoisting and inauguration ceremony in presences of naval delegation from 34 countries, here at Pakistan Navy Dockyard.

Commander Pakistan fleet Rear Admiral Khan Hasham bin Saddique was the chief guest of event. Observers, foreign diplomats and a large number of Pakistan Navy (PN) officers were also present.

Speaking on the occasion, Commander Saddique said, "All continents of the world are representing here to promote peace and stability in the region."

"We are living in the era of uncertainty, where challenges are present in a large number, but opportunities are less," Saddique said, adding that piracy and pirates were the most rising threat, which could be countered by collaboration of navies and by sharing tactics among each other. He said that use of sea routes by terrorists, human trafficking, smuggling and piracy were major concern and to counter such issues, joint strategy and collective efforts was need of the hour.

He claimed that PN has always supported international efforts against terrorism and piracy. "The transformation in global geo-strategic landscape has been immense throwing up numerous challenges. Although much of the turmoil continues unabated on land in many regions of the world, the maritime arena, too, has had its due share, particularly the Indian Ocean.

Talking about Aman-13, he said that PN multinational exercise was an effort which would surely improve response, tactics and procedures to enhance interoperability in joint operating environment. The exercise was focused on combating and countering all illegal activities, particularly in North Arabian Sea, which was very critical to future energy security and served as lifeline of world energy economies, the commander said. He added that such exercise provided common answer against maritime security threats.

Entire PN fleet, including him, warmly welcomed all the participating and naval observers, he said. The commander asserted that he felt privileged ot be the part of such an event. Entire country would enhance cooperation by holding such programmes and it would also be helpful to make relation stronger with friend countries. Maritime security operations would be conducted in the exercise.

Chinese naval commander said, "Ships of China are participating in the event, which is an honour for them." It would provide platform to exchange ideas. He thanked PN for a warm welcome.

Commander of Italy Laurelti said, "Aman is good initiative, which PN holds biennially to promote maritime security and peace."

Earlier, Commander Muhmmad Ehsan Qadir readout the message of Chief of Naval Staff, and said that Aman was serving maritime security and other naval operations. Threats of to maritime security had increased and to counter such threats, Aman and PN played a vital role. He thanked all observer and participating naval partners for being the part of Aman.

On the occasion, formal flag hosting ceremony was held amid tune of national songs played by PN band.

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