Pakistan’s Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, held high-level discussions with Bahrain’s top civil and military leadership during an official visit aimed at bolstering maritime security and defense collaboration between the two nations.
During his visit, Admiral Ashraf met with Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa and Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa. The Bahraini leadership commended Pakistan’s significant contributions to regional maritime security, according to a statement from the Pakistan Navy’s Directorate General of Public Relations (DGPR).
The naval chief also engaged with prominent military officials, including Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa, Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defense Force (BDF); General Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa bin Salman Al-Khalifa, Commander of Bahrain National Guard; and Rear Admiral Ahmed Mohammed Ibrahim Al-Binali, Commander of the Royal Bahrain Naval Force (RBNF).
“Professional matters of mutual interest, including regional maritime security and defense collaboration, were key discussion points during these meetings,” stated the DGPR. Admiral Ashraf highlighted the importance of fostering deeper ties between the armed forces of Pakistan and Bahrain through initiatives such as joint exercises, mutual visits, and training exchange programs.
The Pakistan Navy frequently engages in joint military exercises with international allies to enhance operational synergy, deter illegal maritime activities such as piracy and drug trafficking, and promote regional peace and stability.
As part of his visit, Admiral Ashraf toured the RBNF Ship Manama and addressed Bahrain’s Royal Command and Staff College. His address underscored the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean region and emphasized the need for a “region-centric maritime security framework” to address emerging challenges.
The visit is anticipated to further cement the enduring defense and maritime ties between the two brotherly nations, paving the way for closer collaboration in the years to come.
