ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Germany on Monday agreed to further enhance collaboration between the two countries’ naval forces.
On Monday, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Zakaullah, who is on an official visit to Germany, called on Deputy Chief of Defence Staff Germany Vice Admiral Ruehle and German Naval Chief (Inspector of German Navy) Vice Admiral Andreas Krause.
During the meeting, professional matters of mutual interest and bilateral defence ties were discussed. Deputy Chief of Defence Staff Germany highly appreciated the role and contributions of Pakistan in spearheading various initiatives for maintaining peace and stability in the region. Both the dignitaries agreed and looked forward to further enhancing the interaction between Pakistan and Germany in the fields of training, mutual visits and defence collaboration.
Matters discussed between Admiral Zakaullah and German Naval Chief included bilateral collaboration, maritime security and stability, coalition maritime campaign plan (CMCP), counter piracy operations, drug trafficking and various avenues to enhance interoperability between Pakistani and German navies.
The naval chief also highlighted Pakistan’s commitment and performance in fight against terrorism and efforts for maintaining regional peace and security.
Vice Admiral Andreas Krause acknowledged Pakistan Navy’s efforts and focused commitments in support of collaborative maritime security in the region and also hoped to extend cooperation between both forces.
Earlier, upon his arrival at the Federal Ministry of Defence at Berlin, Admiral Zakaullah was received by the German Naval Chief. A ceremonial guard with military honours was also presented to the Naval Chief. Thereafter, Admiral Zakaullah laid a wreath on German Armed Forces Memorial.
Later, the naval chief also visited German navy ship FGS ERFURT at Warnemunde Naval Base.
Published in Daily Times, August 8th 2017.
