KARACHI: The ninth Multinational Maritime Exercise Aman-25 commenced on Friday with a grand flag-hoisting ceremony at the Pakistan Navy Dockyard, where flags of 60 participating nations fluttered against the scenic seafront. The biennial exercise, a symbol of global maritime collaboration since its inception in 2007, aims to foster a secure and stable maritime environment.
A message from Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, read by Commodore Omar Farooq, emphasized Pakistan’s role as a key maritime stakeholder and the Regional Maritime Security Patrols initiative. He also announced the introduction of the Aman Dialogue, an adjunct discussion forum to enhance international cooperation on maritime security.
Pakistan Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Abdul Munib lauded the exercise’s role in strengthening interoperability among navies, reinforcing Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace.
International Participation
The event features 11-12 naval vessels from various countries, including:
China (Plans Baotou-133, Plans Gaoyouhu)
Saudi Arabia (HMS Jazan, HMS Hail)
UAE (Abu Dhabi (CVT) P-191)
Malaysia (KD Terengganu-174)
Japan (JS Murasame)
Sri Lanka (SLNS Vijayabahu)
Indonesia (KRI Bung Tomo-357)
Iran (Jamaran)
Bangladesh (BNS Somdura Joy)
USA (Lewis B. Puller)
Oman (RNOV Sadh)
Turkiye, contributing with an aircraft
Additionally, special operations forces and observers will participate in the Aman Dialogue, scheduled for February 9-10.
Bangladesh Naval Chief’s Visit Strengthens Bilateral Ties
Bangladesh’s Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Nazmul Hassan, leading his fleet’s participation, met Pakistan’s top military leadership in a move reflecting warming ties between the two nations. He held discussions with Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chief of Army Staff Gen Asim Munir, and Admiral Ashraf at the Naval Headquarters in Islamabad.
Talks focused on regional security, maritime collaboration, joint exercises, training programs, and intelligence cooperation. Admiral Hassan’s visit follows recent high-level engagements, including the January 14 visit of Lt Gen S.M. Kamrul Hassan, underscoring a shift in Bangladesh-Pakistan relations.
Observers note that Bangladesh’s participation in Aman-25 signifies a major step forward in military cooperation, particularly in the wake of political changes in Dhaka following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina. Reports also suggest a Pakistani intelligence delegation recently visited Dhaka, indicating deepening security ties.
Story by Shazia Hasan and Baqir Sajjad Syed in Islamabad also contributed to this report
