Admiral Zafar Mahmoud Abbasi, Chief of Naval Staff in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan visited “Al Rahmani'” Vessel of the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO), accompanied with a number of Commander and Senior Officers, Oman News Agency (ONA) reported.

The visit came within the framework of the RNO participation in the international joint naval drill (Aman-19), which is being conducted in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

Admiral Abbasi met with Al Rahmani Vessel Commander and crew, during which he was a briefed on the vessel, its missions and duties. He also toured the vessel’s facilities and sections and viewed the duties of each section.

At the end of the visit, the Pakistani Chief of Naval Staff signed in the visitor’s book, expressing his delight to visit the vessel, praising the Sultanate’s first participation in Aman-19 drill.

The five-day multinational maritime exercise Aman-19, hosted by the Pakistan Navy (PN), commenced in Karachi on Friday, The Express Tribune reported.

During Friday’s flag raising ceremony, the flags of 46 countries participating in this year’s drill were hoisted and a smartly turned out contingent of the Navy presented a march-past.

Commander Pakistan Fleet Vice Admiral Amjad Khan Niazi addressed the opening ceremony as the chief guest. In his address, he elaborated that Aman, which means peace, is a step to enhance cooperation.

He further said that maritime security is pivotal for national security and safeguarding maritime routes is essential for the economy.

Officials also confirmed that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and the Pakistan Army are taking part in the exercise.

Ambassadors and delegates of various countries were also present at the ceremony.