Naval chief calls on Italian naval chief, Commander-In-Chief Italian Naval Fleet

ISLAMABAD, Sep 27 (APP):Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi during an official visit to
Italy, called on Chief of Italian Navy, Admiral Valter Girardelli and
Commander-In-Chief Italian Naval Fleet, Admiral Donato Marzano in separate
meetings.
Upon his arrival at Italian Naval Headquarters at
Rome, the Admiral was received by Chief of Italian Navy, a press release
issued here by Directorate of Public Relations of Pakistan Navy said.
A ceremonial Guard with Military Honours was also
presented to the Naval Chief on the occasion.
Later, during the meeting between Chief of the
Naval Staff and Admiral Valter Girardelli, matters of mutual interest including
bilateral naval collaboration were dilated upon. Various avenues of cooperation
between the two navies were also discussed.
Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi highlighted Pakistan’s
commitment and contributions in the fight against terrorism including
initiation of Regional Maritime Security Patrols (RMSP) against piracy and
maritime terrorism.
Admiral Valter Girardelli lauded the role and
contributions of Pakistan Navy in maintaining peace and stability in the
region. The call was followed by a brief given to Admiral Zafar Mahmood on
Italian Navy’s operational regime and perspective on regional issues.
Subsequently,
Chief of the Naval Staff called on Commander-In-Chief Italian Naval Fleet,
Admiral Donato Marzano. During discussions, matters of mutual interest
including Maritime security and stability, counter piracy operations, drug
trafficking and various avenues to enhance interoperability between Pakistan
and Italian Navy were pondered upon.
The Naval Chief also visited Staff College of
Italian Navy at Venice and delivered a lecture to the student officers besides
interacting with faculty and staff.
He apprised the participants regarding geo-strategic
situation of the Indian Ocean Region and role of Pakistan for development of
regional peace and security.
Earlier,
the Naval Chief met Ambassador of Pakistan to Italy, Nadeem Riyaz.
It is expected that the visit of the Naval Chief
will further enhance and expand defence ties between the two countries in
general and Navies in particular.