Salman Port, Manama: Mahmood Rafique, Editor: Pakistan Navy and Bahrain Royal Naval Forces are working together to promote maritime security in the region.
Ambassador of Pakistan Muhammad Ayub said that Pakistan Navy is a longtime contributor to international security operations as a participant in the multinational Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), particularly the Group’s Combined Task Force 150 and anti-piracy Combined Task Force 151.
Ambassador was speaking during an onboard reception held at PNS Behr Masah at Salman Port marking the 50th years of establishing diplomatic ties between Pakistan and Bahrain.
The reception was attended by attended by Rear Admiral Mohammed Yousif Al-Asam Commander Royal Bahrain Naval Forces as a chief guest in presence of Ambassadors, BDF officers, and Pakistan community members. “As a partner of the Combined Task Force, Pakistan Navy ships with strategic assets and personnel are carrying out important missions to promote security, stability, and prosperity across approximately 3.2 million square miles of international waters, encompassing some of the world’s most important shipping lanes. Pakistan Navy has the rare distinction of commanding CTF-150 and CTF-151 eleven and nine times, respectively. Pakistan also has created its own Regional Maritime Security Patrol,” HE Ambassador said.
“Our Defence forces enjoy deep-rooted cooperation in diverse fields, including training, joint exercises, consultations, and coordination on matters of mutual interest. Pakistan Navy, in particular, has played a pivotal role in strengthening our bilateral relations.”
“I am confident that this goodwill visit of Pakistan Navy Ships will bolster Pakistan Navy’s bilateral relations with the Royal Bahrain Naval Forces in diverse avenues.
HE Ambassador termed the current mission is of immense significance as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of Pakistan- Bahrain diplomatic relations.
“To celebrate this historic milestone, we have planned several events, including cultural and sporting activities throughout the year.”
“Pakistan and Bahrain enjoy longstanding relations rooted in our common faith, shared cultural and social values. These relations are based on solidarity, fraternity, mutual trust, and support. The Pakistani diaspora, including skilled workers, businessmen and educated professionals, is a strong bridge between our two countries,” HE Ambassador said.
“Although our diplomatic relations were established 50 years ago, our history of contacts spans over the centuries. Earlier links between our peoples stemmed from their needs to trade goods transported in traditional sea-faring vessels. Later the spread of the religion Islam became a strong cementing factor. With the establishment of the diplomatic Mission of Pakistan in Bahrain in 1971, contacts between the two countries became more regular and institutionalized. Since then, there has been a constant stream of high- level political and military visits, including regular goodwill visits of our naval ships,” HE Ambassador said.
