Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi visited United States of America (USA) to attend 23rd International Seapower Symposium-2018 (ISS) held from Sep 18-21 at the US Naval War College Newport.
The event involved panel discussions on issues pertaining to common maritime challenges and opportunities to enhance international maritime security cooperation which are the primary objectives of the International Seapower Symposium.
During ISS, bilateral meetings between the CNS and senior international naval dignitaries including naval chiefs of Australia, Brazil, Germany, Japan, PLA (N) and Turkey were also held to discuss matters of mutual interest. During discussions, Admiral Abbasi briefed participants on Maritime Perspective of Pakistan with special focus on PN contributions to regional maritime security.
The Admiral highlighted the challenges being faced by Indian Ocean security and Pakistan Navy’s initiative of Regional Maritime Security Patrol (RMSP) aimed to comply with international obligations towards safe and secure maritime environment in the region. Discussions at ISS would strengthen and enhance cooperation between various countries in countering piracy, providing disaster relief and humanitarian assistance, coordinating search and rescue at sea including submarine rescue, planning and conducting coalition military operations and joint law enforcement to counter arms, drugs and human trafficking as well as fisheries and pollution violations.
articipation of the CNS in the ISS reflects Pakistan’s commitment for regional peace and contribution towards regional maritime security through a collaborative approach.
Meanwhile, the CNS also met the head of the Coast Guard Admiral Karl Schultz and Commander US NAVCENT, Vice-Admiral Scott A. Streany, and attended various panel discussions including “Innovation in Naval Power” by Dr Thomas G Mahnken, “Combined Operations in Response to Crisis” by Admiral (Rtd) William J Fallon and “Maritime Surveillance and Information Sharing” by Dr Patrick M Cronin.
Published in Daily Times, September 23rd 2018.
