The Pakistani Navy Task Group comprising four ships – PNS Khaibar, PNS Rahnaward, PNS Madagar, and PMSS Zhob – docked at Hamad Port on December 31.
The Task Group is visiting Qatar on a flag-showing mission depicting the fraternal and deep bonded relations between the two countries.
Brigadier (Sea) Hamad bin Abdullah al-Dosri, Qatar Amiri Navy Officiating Commander, attended the reception as the chief guest. Officials from various ministries in Qatar, ambassadors, military attaches, members of the diplomatic community and a number of prominent Pakistani expatriates graced the occasion.
Pakistan embassy charge d’affaires Murad Baseer, defence attache Commodore Irfan Taj, and Pakistan Navy Task Group Mission Commander Commodore Mohamed Saleem hosted the onboard reception where traditional Pakistani food was served.
In the beginning of the reception, national anthems of Qatar and Pakistan were played. A cake cutting ceremony was also held.
In his welcome speech, Commodore Saleem said: “We are happy to be here in Qatar among our brothers and friends. We truly feel at home here. On behalf of the officers and men from our visiting ships, I thank the Qatar armed forces for their warm reception and kind hospitality.”
Stressing that this is the first time such a large group of ships from Pakistan Navy have visited Qatar, he said: “Pakistan’s relations with Qatar are multifaceted and deep rooted based on sound religious and cultural affinities. Defence co-operation between the two countries is noteworthy as Pakistan has been imparting training to the defence forces of Qatar and a large number of the Pakistani armed forces personnel are on deputation to the Qatari armed forces. The two navies have participated in various exercises and exhibitions from time to time including the exercises of Al Maghrib Al Bahar and Asad Al Bahar. The current visit of the Pakistani Navy ships is manifestation of our strong relationship and a reflection of our desire to further enhance it. Similarly, I am very confident in saying that the brotherly relations between Pakistan and Qatar will grow further and strengthen manifold.
“Pakistan believes in promoting peace, security and freedom of seas in the region. In this context, Pakistan Navy in conjunction with international and regional navies is participating in multi-nation operations commonly known as Coalition Maritime Campaign Plan since April 2004. Recently, Pakistan has also initiated Regional Maritime Security Patrol initiative, which demonstrates Pakistan Navy’s resolve to work in tandem with the regions maritime community. It is aimed at ensuring safety and security of international sea-lanes of communication and maintaining presence at critical choke points. Today, Pakistan is making steady and determined progress on all fronts,” he added.
