LONDON: Pakistan’s Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, has concluded an official visit to the United Kingdom aimed at strengthening bilateral defence and maritime cooperation.
In the historic first, Admiral Ashraf addressed the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in London, the most prestigious strategic studies institution in the world, on the theme of Indian Ocean security and the need for a regional maritime security construct, said a statement issued by the Pakistan High Commission in London on Wednesday.
“No Chief of the Naval Staff of Pakistan Navy has previously addressed IISS, marking a landmark in Pakistan Navy’s international intellectual engagement,” it said.
Admiral Naveed Ashraf NI NI(M) TBt, Chief of the Naval Staff, Pakistan Navy, concluded an official visit to the United Kingdom
Admiral Naveed Ashraf NI NI(M) TBt, Chief of the Naval Staff, Pakistan Navy visited United Kingdom and held high-level official engagements coordinated… pic.twitter.com/LSoH0sGXd7
— Pakistan High Commission London (@PakistaninUK) July 22, 2026
The Chief of Naval Staff also held bilateral engagements with the Royal Navy and Ministry of Defence leadership, along with a call on the Commander of NATO Allied Maritime Command. He also met with the Commandant of the Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS) and visited the Nautical Institute.
During his engagements, the Chief of Naval Staff also interacted with the Lloyd’s Market Association and the Joint War Committee on maritime insurance and the Indian Ocean security environment.
He further participated in the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) at RAF Fairford, Europe’s largest military airshow, where Admiral Ashraf engaged with allied military leadership and representatives of the United Kingdom’s defence industrial base.
Admiral Ashraf also visited the Pakistan High Commission, London, and interacted with the officers of the High Commission.
“The Chief of Naval Staff exchanged views on further strengthening Pakistan–United Kingdom bilateral relations across defence, maritime, and strategic domains. He also recorded remarks on the Visitor’s Book,” the statement said.
The visit highlighted the Pakistan Navy’s increasing role as an active and influential contributor to international maritime security discussions, while reaffirming its commitment to further strengthening the Pakistan–United Kingdom bilateral relationship through high-level professional engagement.
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Pakistan and the United Kingdom share a longstanding defence relationship built on professional engagement, training cooperation, capacity building and collaboration on regional and global security challenges.
The two countries maintain regular high-level military exchanges, with a focus on enhancing interoperability, maritime security, counterterrorism efforts and defence cooperation. Both sides continue to explore avenues for expanding institutional linkages and strengthening coordination in areas of mutual interest.
