Islamabad/Malé: In a move signifying strengthening defence and maritime relations between Pakistan and the Maldives, the Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) Saif docked at the port of Malé, where the vessel and its crew were accorded a warm and enthusiastic welcome by Maldivian authorities.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), during the significant port call, the Mission Commander, Commodore M. Zeeshan Nabi Sheikh, engaged in high-level meetings with the Maldivian military leadership. He held detailed discussions with Major General Ibrahim Hilmy, Chief of Defence Forces at the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Headquarters. The dialogue focused on matters of mutual interest, robust naval ties, and enhanced cooperation in the domain of maritime security.
The Mission Commander also visited the Pakistan High Commission in Malé, where he met with High Commissioner Vice Admiral (Retd) Faisal Rasul Lodhi. Underscoring the visit’s regional importance, various government officials from different countries, ambassadors, and members of the diplomatic community also paid visits to PNS Saif.
ISPR further reported that to enhance operational interoperability between the two navies, PNS Saif conducted a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with vessels of the Maldives Coast Guard. These regular visits by Pakistan Navy ships to the Maldives are a clear reflection of the strong and enduring bilateral relationship between the two nations, aiming to further augment the mutual capabilities of both naval forces.
