Iran attends Pakistan’s multi-national naval drill as 'observer'

The commander of Pakistan Fleet Vice Admiral Arifullah Hussaini who was the chief guest on the occasion, inaugurated the exercise by hoisting national flag at Karachi dockyard.

Navies from Australia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, Russia, Sri Lanka, Turkey, UK and the US are participating in the joint exercise.

Over 20 countries including Iran are also attending as the observers.

The vice Admiral speaking at the ceremony said that the exercise will help in competing human trafficking, smuggling of narcotics and terrorism in the region.

He said that Pak Navy has played a vital role in the region to ensure safe passage for cargo ships.

In a message on the occasion, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said Pakistan, a major stakeholder in maritime security of Arabian Sea, is fully committed to ensuring freedom of navigation and lawful maritime order.

The Prime Minister extended a very warm welcome to all the participants who have travelled from across the seas to participate in Multinational Exercise AMAN-17.

He emphasized that cooperation between international navies is imperative to counter these emerging threats.

Planned by the Pakistan Navy, AMAN drills are held every alternate year since 2007. The navy drill aims to demonstrate united resolve in the fight against terrorism and maritime threats.

Ships, aircrafts, helicopters, special operations forces, Explosives Ordinance Disposal (EOD), marine teams and observer navies will be present at the event.

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