ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Azerbaijan military leadership have agreed to expand bilateral naval collaboration and regional maritime security.
The consensus was reached during meetings between Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Naveed Ashraf and the military and naval leadership of Azerbaijan, held during his official visit to the Central Asian country.
Upon arrival at Naval Forces Headquarters, the Chief of the Naval Staff was presented a Guard of Honour, said a news release issued by the Directorate General Public Relations (Pak Navy) here Thursday.
Admiral Naveed Ashraf called on Commander of Azerbaijan Naval Forces, First Grade Captain Shahin Mammadov. The dignitaries exchanged views on bilateral naval collaboration and regional maritime security.
Pakistan Naval Chief stressed the importance of enhancing the interaction between naval forces through exercises and training exchange programmes.
He was given a detailed briefing on Azerbaijan Navy’s operational readiness, training, education programmes, and ongoing activities. Admiral Naveed Ashraf also visited the Navy’s Special Operations Forces unit and witnessed an operational demonstration of the Azerbaijan Naval Forces.
During his visit, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, met with the Chief of the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army, Colonel General Karim Valiyev. The two discussed matters of mutual interest and explored ways to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation.
As a mark of respect, Admiral Ashraf also visited the Alley of Martyrs, where he laid a wreath to honour the fallen heroes.
Pakistan and Azerbaijan share a longstanding bond of brotherhood, and this visit is expected to further deepen and enhance defence collaboration between the two countries, especially between their naval forces.
