https://arab.news/48yqc
- PNS Hunain conducts Passage Exercise with Al-Riyadh frigate of Royal Saudi Naval Forces, says navy
- Bilateral exercise provided opportunity for both countries to strengthen ties, defense cooperation
ISLAMABAD: The newly commissioned Pakistan Navy warship Hunain visited Jeddah to take part in a bilateral exercise with the Al-Riyadh frigate of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF), the navy’s media wing said.
PNS Hunain was received by senior officials of the RSNF and the Pakistan Embassy after arriving at the Jeddah port, Pakistan Navy’s media wing said.
During his stay at the port, PNS Hunain’s commanding officer met RSNF Navy Western Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Mansoor Bin Saood Al Jayyad, and Commander King Faisal Naval Base Rear Admiral Saleh Bin Abdullah Al-Amri.
Both discussed matters of mutual interest and bilateral cooperation between the two navies, the Director-General Public Relations (Navy) said.
“Later, PNS HUNAIN conducted a Passage Exercise with HMS AL RIYADH of RSNF and rehearsed various Joint Maritime Drills and Operations,” the navy’s media wing said.
“The aim of exercise was to provide an opportunity to enhance interoperability between the navies.”
The ship’s visit to Jeddah and its taking part in the exercise provided it the opportunity to strengthen existing brotherly relations and defense collaboration between the two countries, the navy said.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy strong defense ties and bilateral security cooperation. The two nations regularly engage in joint air, ground, and sea military exercises, while several cadets from the Kingdom, along with counterparts from other Middle Eastern nations, annually visit Pakistan to undergo specialized military training.
Apart from defense and security ties, Pakistan enjoys strong economic and trade relations with Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom is home to over two million Pakistani expatriates, serving as the top source of remittances for the cash-strapped country.