Pakistan Navy chief discusses security cooperation with Saudi commanders

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi presenting a souvenir to Vice Admiral Awwad Eid Al Balawi, Commander Royal Saudi Border Guard, during his visit to KSA.

Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi interacting with Midshipmen and cadets during his visit to King Fahad Naval Academy in KSA.

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi exchanging views with Rear Admiral Fahad Ali Al-Furaidan, Eastern Fleet Commander Royal Saudi Naval Forces, during his visit to KSA.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Navy chief, who is on an official visit to Saudi Arabia, met Saudi commanders on Thursday and discussed security and training issues.
In a statement, the Pakistan Navy media wing said Chief of the Naval Staff, Adm. Zafar Mahmood Abbasi, called on Commander of the Royal Saudi Border Guard, Vice Adm. Awwad Eid Al-Balawi, and Eastern Fleet Commander, Rear Adm. Fahad Ali Al-Furaidan.
“During the meeting with the Commander of the Royal Saudi Border Guard, professional matters of mutual interest were discussed,” the statement said.
The admiral highlighted Pakistan’s commitment and performance in the fight against terrorism in general and the Pakistan Navy’s efforts toward maintaining peace and stability in the Indian Ocean region.
“Vice Adm. Awwad Eid Al-Balawi acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts in promoting peace and stability in the maritime domain for freedom of the seas and the free flow of maritime trade,” the statement read.
Later, Adm. Zafar Mahmood Abbasi met the Eastern Fleet Commander of Royal Saudi Naval Forces, Rear Adm. Fahad Ali Al-Furaidan, in Jubail.
The two senior officers discussed professional matters and various avenues for bilateral collaboration.
The Pakistani Navy chief also visited the Command and Control Center and the Mine Warfare Center at the naval base.
While visiting King Fahad Naval Academy, Adm. Abbasi met the Commandant of the Academy, Rear Adm. Zead Al-Otaibi.
At the academy, they discussed matters of mutual interest “including professional and academic training and the grooming of young officers,” said the statement.
During the visit, earlier this week on March 13, Chief of General Staff of Royal Saudi Armed Forces, Gen. Fayyad Al-Ruwaili, awarded the prestigious King Abdul Aziz Medal of Excellence to Pakistani Navy Chief Adm. Zafar Mahmood Abbasi.