KARACHI (INP): Pakistan Navy and Chinese 17th Navy Convoy fleet began a bilateral naval exercise Saturday with an aim to enhance interoperability and operational understanding. Chinese 17th Navy Convoy Fleet, headed by Rear Admiral Huang Xinjian, Deputy Chief of Staff East Sea Fleet arrived at Karachi today to participate in the exercise, which includes an elaborate harbour and sea phase.

The exercise; being first of the series is a landmark reflection of the historic ties between the two navies as well as a true manifestation of convergence of strategic interests of the two countries which will go a long way in promoting maritime security and stability in the region.

Pakistan Navy and PLA (N) have been interacting since long in order to improve upon the level of coordination, interoperability and training. The current bilateral naval exercise is unique in a way that it would cover the entire spectrum of multifaceted maritime operations involving Surface, Air and Special Forces elements. The maiden exercise will lay sound foundation for subsequent exercises between both the navies in future.