Speaking at a weekly press briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Spokesperson of the Foreign Office Mr Zahid Hafiz Chaudri spoke of the successful commencement of the seventh edition of Pakistan Navy’s multinational maritime exercise ‘AMAN’-21, which concluded on February 16 with a graceful International Fleet Review (IFR).
He said that this is an example of Pakistan’s committment to regional peace and security, as well as its desire for global peace. The success of the maritime exercise, despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, refutes Indian propaganda of having isolated Pakistan and leaves India exposed, Mr Chaudri said.
At the closing ceremony of AMAN-21, the President Dr Arif Alvi had congratulated the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral M Amjad Khan Niazi and Pakistan Navy for successfully hosting AMAN-21. Reaffirming Pakistan’s resolve for promoting peace and security, the President thanked the participating regional and extra-regional navies for displaying their commitment to collaborative maritime security.
With the participation of 42 nations, including ships and aircraft from China, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, Sri Lanka, Turkey, US, and UK, AMAN-21 was yet another manifestation of Pakistan’s global engagement and abiding commitment and contribution to the promotion of international peace and security.
An International Maritime Conference was also held in Karachi on the sidelines of the AMAN-21, Mr Chaudri stated.
Addressing the Conference, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi reaffirmed Pakistan’s abiding commitment to maritime peace and security, and underscored the critical role of Blue Economy in promoting sustainable growth and development.
Foreign Minister Qureshi also underlined that China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the development of Gwadar Port are game-changing projects that have further enhanced the geo-economic significance of Pakistan.
