Islamabad (TDI): Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have signed an agreement to enhance their naval relations, with specific focus on mutual exercises, training, and enhanced coordination of maritime defense.
Pakistan Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf met Saudi Naval Chief Vice Admiral Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al Ghuraybi, who is on a visit to Pakistan.
They discussed various issues, including maritime security in the region, defense training, and enhancing operational ties. They both emphasized the increasing significance of bilateral naval exercises in establishing interoperability and countering regional security concerns.Â
On 22 July, RSNF Chief Vice Admiral Al‑Ghoraibi visited @PakistanNavy HQ, met CNS Admiral Naveed Ashraf & held talks on maritime security. A landmark visit highlighting 🇵🇰🇸🇦 commitment to defence ties, training & regional cooperation. pic.twitter.com/PtUcmK2BqZ
— Pakistan Embassy Saudi Arabia (@PakinSaudiArab) July 23, 2025
Admiral Ashraf informed the Saudi delegation about the regional activities of Pakistan Navy, specifically its Regional Maritime Security Patrols, that provide security and safety on crucial sea lanes within the Arabian Sea and neighboring waters.
Vice Admiral Al acknowledged Pakistan Navy for its significant contribution towards regional maritime peace and security and yet again expressed its vital role in maintaining vital sea lanes.
Besides this, he appreciated the training provided to Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) cadets at the Pakistan Naval Academy and on Pakistani warships, which has greatly improved RSNF capabilities
President Asif Ali Zardari awarded Vice Admiral Al Ghuraybi Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military) during a special ceremony in recognition of his measures to expand Pakistan-Saudi naval cooperation.Â
The award, given at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Monday, recognizes the efforts of the Saudi naval commander for the promotion of military relations and the facilitation of eased cooperation between the two countries’ armed forces. Senior officers of the Pakistan Armed Forces and the Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan witnessed the ceremony.
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan enjoy a robust defense relationship that has been tried and tested over decades. Their naval relationship has been marked by mutual exercises, exchange of visits by officers, and mutual interest in the defense of Arabian Gulf and Indian Ocean maritime security.
Pakistan continued training Saudi officers and conducting joint exercises, particularly by taking part in Pakistan’s AMAN naval exercises, which unite the navies of the world to discuss maritime concerns.
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