“Pakistan has always acted as a bridge by bringing countries together and the same spirit of endeavoring for greater regional harmony”
By Asim Shahzad
LAHORE: Pak Navy Commander and Director Public Relations Ali Irfan, while briefing a group of journalists, said more than 50 countries will participate in Pakistan’s peace exercises, which is a great success.
Irfan said Pakistan has always been an avid supporter of regional peace and stability. Pakistan’s commitment to the principle of ‘peaceful coexistence’ and desire for greater regional harmony and cooperation is also reflected through Pakistan’s armed forces participation in UN Peacekeeping missions, UN mandated Combined Maritime Task Forces 150 & 151, participation in regional and extra-regional joint bilateral and multilateral exercises.
To demonstrate Pakistan’s commitment to peace, contribute towards regional maritime security and enhance cooperation and interoperability between regional and extra regional navies, Pakistan Navy took an initiative of holding Multinational exercise AMAN in 2007, which is being conducted biennially, he added.
Historically, Pakistan has always acted as a bridge by bringing countries together and the same spirit of endeavoring for greater regional harmony and cooperation is echoed through Exercise AM AN’s motto ‘ Together for peace’, the officer mentioned
Till to date eight exercises have been conducted and 9th exercise is planned from 7 – 11 Feb 25. Over the period of time, Exercise has become a major International Naval event which is evident from growing number of participation, Irfan highlighted.
Growing global participation in AMAN over the years underscores the trust and confidence reposed by international community on PN efforts and its contributions towards advancing collaborative maritime security. This has encouraged PN to initiate ‘AMAN Dialogue’ as an adjunct to the Exercise and its inaugural session will be held, in tandem with AMAN-25. The aim of AMAN Dialogue is to provide a dedicated forum for senior leadership to exchange views on regional security and adopt innovative solutions to address evolving challenges at sea.
The AMAN Dialogue will bring together Chiefs of Navies/ Coast Guards/ Defence Forces and afford them the opportunity for multilateral and one-on-one meetings. AMAN Dialogue will also include keynote addresses and seminars on contemporary maritime affairs.
PRO Lieutenant Commander Sohaib Subhani were also present on the occasion.
