The naval forces of Pakistan and Türkiye have further strengthened their defense cooperation, as evidenced by their recent joint exercises carried out in the north Arabian Sea. The coordinated drills involved the navies of both countries carrying out patrols and maneuvers that included defending against asymmetric threats, executing visit board search and seizure operations, and practicing air defense exercises. The aim of these joint activities was to further hone the professional skills of the personnel and enhance interoperability between the two naval forces. The naval exercises came after a “goodwill” visit to Pakistan by the Turkish Navy ship TCG Kinaliada. During this port call, a Turkish Navy delegation led by Vice Admiral Ibrahim Ozdem Kocer, the Turkish Navy Chief of Staff, met with Pakistan Navy field commanders.

The two sides discussed matters of mutual interest and explored avenues for deepening their collaboration. The Turkish delegation also paid homage to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah,as a gesture of respect and appreciation for the founder of Pakistan, by laying a floral wreath at his mausoleum. The Pakistan Navy, in its statement, emphasized the historically warm and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Türkiye, stating that the visit of the Turkish Navy ship to Pakistan is a “manifestation of strong bilateral ties between both countries.” The successful completion of these joint naval exercises is seen as a testament to the deep-rooted defense cooperation between Pakistan and Türkiye, two close allies in the region.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan