ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said that the maritime security challenges in the Indian Ocean are both multidimensional and multifaceted; therefore, cooperation between international navies is imperative to counter these emerging threats.
In his message on the occasion of Pakistan Navy multi-national exercise AMAN-17, the prime minister said that threats like maritime terrorism, drug trafficking and piracy have acquired international dimensions.
The prime minister said that Pakistan being a major stakeholder in maritime security of Arabian Sea is fully committed to ensuring freedom of navigation and lawful maritime order.
“I am confident that AMAN-17 will be a big stride towards this direction,” he said.
The four-day multi-national Naval Exercise ‘AMAN 2017’ began on Friday in North Arabian Sea in which 37 countries including Pakistan are taking part.
The prime minister extended a very warm welcome to all the participants who travelled from across the seas to participate in multi-national naval exercise AMAN-17.
“I am glad that through AMAN series of Exercises, Pakistan Navy has been able to act as a bridge in the maritime domain by bringing together the Navies of East and West on one platform,” he said.
The prime minister also extended his gratitude to the participating navies for joining them at AMAN 17 in such large numbers.
“I also appreciate the enthusiastic and vigorous efforts of Pakistan Navy for successfully organizing AMAN series of exercises since 2007,” he said.
“I look forward to a successful and rewarding exercise and thank all participating Countries for taking part in this endeavour of readiness for the promotion of peace.”
Moreover, the prime minister said that Pakistan’s geo-strategic prominence capitalized with the launching of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, will become a ‘Game Changer’ for the region.
Nawaz Sharif said that this mega project offers multitude of regional and trans-regional economic prospects especially in the maritime sphere.
The prime minister said that the growing reliance on maritime highways with their enormous economic benefits have accentuated the need for keeping a safe and secure environment at sea.
