Vice Admiral Abdullah Khamis Al Raisi, Chief of Staff of the Sultan’s Armed Forces (SAF) received, in his office at Al Murtafa’a Garrison Thursday, a delegation from the National Defence University of the People’s Republic of China (photo).

The meeting was attended by Major General Hamid Ahmed Sakroon, Chairman of the Academy for Strategic and Defence Studies and Brigadier Hamid Abdullah Al Balushi, SAF Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations and Planning.

During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views and discussed several matters of mutual interest, Oman News Agency (ONA) reported.

Meanwhile, the visiting delegation visited the Maritime Security Centre (MSC). Upon their arrival, members of the delegation were greeted by the Acting Head of the MSC.

They were briefed about the various roles undertaken by the MSC in maintaining the security and safety of the maritime environment in Oman. They also toured the Centre’s facilities.

Furthermore, Major General Hamid Ahmed Sakroon, Chairman of the Academy for Strategic and Defence Studies received in his office at Bait Al Falaj Garrison the visiting delegation from the National Defence University of the People’s Republic of China.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed several matters related to academic and training fields.

The meeting was attended by Air Commodore Abdullah Faiz Al Dhafri, Director General for Administrative and Financial Affairs, several officials from the Academy for Strategic and Defence Studies and the Military attaché at the Chinese Embassy in Muscat.

On Wednesday, a delegation from the European Union Naval Force Operation ATALANTA led by Vice Admiral Ignacio Villanueva, Operation Commander of the force also visited the Maritime Security Centre (MSC).

Members of the delegation were greeted upon their arrival at the MSC by Rear Admiral Saif Nassir Al Rahbi, Commander of the Royal Navy of Oman, Head of the Maritime Security Committee.

They were briefed on the tactical roles and tasks carried out by the Centre that contribute to the safety of the maritime environment in the Sultanate of Oman.

During the visit, a coordination and cooperation protocol was signed between the Maritime Security Centre and the European Union Naval Force Operation ATALANTA.

It was signed by Rear Admiral Saif Nassir Al Rahbi and Vice Admiral Ignacio Villanueva.

The signing ceremony was attended by Commodore Adil Hamoud Al Busaidi, Head of the MSC and a number of senior officers from both sides.