Pakistan Navy ship Khaibar visits Bahrain’s Mina Salman port

KARACHI - Pakistan Navy ship Khaibar with embarked AL-43 helicopter has visited port Mina Salman of Bahrain as part of overseas deployment for Regional Maritime Security Patrols in North Arabian Sea.

It was in direct support of Multinational Combined Task Force 150 (CTF-150), which was currently being commanded by the Pakistan Navy, a press release issued by the Directorate of Public Relations Pakistan Navy on Saturday said.

The deployment of PNS Khaibar in North Arabian Sea is primarily focused on ensuring safety and security of these waters for international shipping.

The ship was given a warm welcome by the officials of Royal Bahrain Naval Force (RBNF) upon its arrival at the port.

During stay at Port Mina Salman, the Commanding Officer PNS KHAIBAR, separately called on Brigadier Alaa Siyadi, Commander Bahrain Coast Guard and Commodore Salah Muhammad Jasim, Deputy Commander Royal Bahrain Naval Force.

During the meetings, the Commanding Officer conveyed sincere regards from Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi, Chief of the Naval Staff, to the Bahraini Navy and people of Bahrain and highlighted that the visit of PNS Khaibar was a manifestation of the multifaceted long term collaboration between the two navies.

A reception was also held onboard PNS Khaibar. Vice Admiral James J. Malloy, Commander US Naval Forces Central Command, Commander US Fifth Fleet, Commander Combined Maritime Forces and Rear Admiral Muhammad Yousuf Al-Asam, Commander Royal Bahrain Naval Force joined the occasion.

The reception was also attended by Deputy Head of Mission of Embassy of Pakistan and a large number of guests including ambassadors from China, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Yemen, rep of Embassy of USA and Defence Attaché of UK.

During his speech, the Commanding Officer PNS Khaibar apprised that Pakistan Navy, in line with the Government of Pakistan’s policy, had been a regular contributor to the Combined Maritime Force since 2004 and had also commanded Multinational Combined Task Forces 150 and 151, eleven and eight times respectively.

He added that the Pakistan Navy would continue its efforts against asymmetric threats to ensure safety and security of the international waters.

Upon culmination of the visit, the ship resumed its role in RMSP in the North Arabian Sea. The ship will also be operating under the direct support of Pakistan led CTF-150.

Pakistan and Bahrain are tied in eternal bonds of religion and brotherhood. The visit by the PNS Khaibar will further enhance Pakistan Navy's bilateral relations with Royal Bahrain Naval Force in diverse avenues.