Pakistan Navy ships on goodwill visit to Bandar Abbas

TEHRAN, Mar. 15 (MNA) – Pakistan Navy Ships Tippu Sultan (DDG-185) with an embarked helicopter (Alouette) and Jurrat currently on goodwill visit at Iranian port Bandar Abbas have elicited a warm response and congenial hospitality by the Iranian Navy and Government. Commander Mirza Foad Baig SI (M), Commander 18th Destroyer Squadron is commanding the PN Task Group as Mission Commander. Upon arrival, Iranian Navy Band played welcome tunes and national anthems of both the countries. Children dressed in traditional costumes presented the bouquets to the guests. The visit of PN Task group is aimed to promote peace and security in the region, enhance maritime collaboration and open new avenues of bilateral cooperation between the two friendly regional navies. During the current visit, PN Delegation has held many important meetings with Naval cum Military and political leaderships of Iran on matters of mutual interest. On 12th March 2017, Mission Cdr Cdre Foad alongwith Commanding Officers of PN ships interacted with senior IRIN leadership including Commander 1st Naval Zone Rear Admiral (LH) Hossein Azad, Commander surface Flotilla Captain Mostafa Tajudini and Commander IRIN strategic Shipyard Captain Ali Reza Sheiki. During these meetings, leadership from both the sides appreciated the enhanced maritime collaboration between the two navies in order to ensure peace and security in the region. Later, a traditional reception dinner was hosted by Tippu Sultan, which was attended by Ambassador of Pakistan HE Asif Durrani, prominent Iranian Naval senior officers including Cdr 1st Naval Zone and Maritime Commander Rear Admiral Shah Bin Zaday, DAs of Germany, Greece and China, representative of Supreme Leader, Deputy Governor of Sistan-WA- Balouchistan and large number of Iranian Naval Officers at Bandar Abbas. On 13th March 2017 (second day of visit), Mission Cdr Cdre Foad alongwith Commanding Officers of PN ships called on Rep of Honourable Supreme Commander and Governor of Hormuzgan province Mr. Jasem Jaderi. Ambassador of Pakistan HE Asif Durrani also accompanied the PN delegation. The PN delegation also laid floral wreath at Martyrs cemetery. Both Navies also played friendly matches of Tug of War and volleyball. During the return voyage, PN task group will undertake passage Exercise with Iranian ship Jammaran Kaman and SH3D helicopter in order to enhance inter-operability. Pakistan and Iran enjoy very strong relations based on mutual respect, brotherhood, shared history and culture. Politico-economic relations between the two countries have gained further momentum in light of recent visits by the head of states. Present visit of PN ships Tippu Sultan and Jurrat to Iran has further extended a message of peace and brotherhood, besides a manifestation to explore new vistas to expand bilateral maritime collaboration.