Pakistan Navy ship on goodwill visit

The Pakistan Navy Ship SAIF is on a goodwill visit to Sri Lanka from Nov. 26 - 29, as both Pakistan and Sri Lanka enjoy warm diplomatic and strong military ties. As part of goodwill, Pakistan Navy ships frequently pay port visits to Sri Lanka.

These visits further strengthen the existing strong relationship between Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Such interactions also demonstrate both navies resolve to contribute towards achieving a more secure and conducive maritime environment which is essential for the regional peace, prosperity and harmony.

Pakistan Navy Ship SAIF is the third ship of SWORD class F22P Frigates, which has been built in China and commissioned on 15 Sep 2010. SAIF, being the front line ship of Pakistan Navy, is equipped with state-of-the-art weapons, sensors and machinery, making it capable of undertaking all kinds of maritime operations at sea during war and peace.

In pursuit of promoting bilateral relations Pakistan Navy provides a number of training courses for Sri Lankan Navy personnel. In order to further enhance the potential for sharing of military knowledge and expertise, particularly in the face of emerging terrorist threats, both countries share their experience.

Pakistan Navy Ship SAIF will also be visiting Malaysia and Maldives after conclusion of its visit in Sri Lanka as a part of its visit to the other friendly regional Countries.

Sri Lanka is an important regional country and Pakistan Navy regards cooperation with SLN (Sri Lankan Navy) as of paramount importance. Since independence, Sri Lanka and Pakistan have consistently maintained close, cordial and mutually supportive relations especially in the field of defense.

Both nations have assisted each other during testing times in their history.

Pakistan and Sri Lanka have comprehensive and mutually beneficial training collaboration for Army, Navy and Air Force.

Over a period of time, a strong bond of commitment and mutual understanding has been reached between both the friendly armed forces. In future too, both the brotherly countries are expected to work more closely in the field of defence to boost peace efforts in the region.

Pakistan and Sri Lanka being located in the South Asian region and being members of various regional and international bodies like UN, commonwealth, NAM and SAARC are mutually important for each others.

The relationship between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is based on mutual trust and commonality of interest in maintaining regional peace, security and stability.

Pakistan has always supported the unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Sri Lanka.

Both countries have shared common perceptions on almost all regional and international issue and are working together on all these forums for shared values and interests.

- SANA News