Doha/Islamabad, 26 March 2022 (TDI): The Pakistan Navy Flotilla with PNS SHAMSHEER, PNS AZMAT, and the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency Ship KOLACHI arrived at Doha, Qatar to take part in the Doha International Maritime Defense Exhibition (DIMDEX-22). The Pakistan Navy was represented at the event by Commander Logistics Rear Admiral Abid Hameed.
#PakNavy Flotilla comprising of PNS #SHAMSHEER & PNS #AZMAT along with PMSA Ship KOLACHI Port Called at Doha, Qatar to participate in Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition (DIMDEX-22). (1/2) pic.twitter.com/FuGjFfM3xb
— DGPR (Navy) (@dgprPaknavy) March 26, 2022
The Pakistan Navy Flotilla was welcomed at Doha port by Commodore Saqib Ilyas, Pakistan’s Defence Attaché in Qatar, and Brigadier Salim Ahmed, Commander Protocol & Organization QENF.
Various dignitaries were visited by the Flag Officer and Mission Commander and the Commanding Officers of Pakistan Navy ships, during their stay in port, including the Fleet Commander of the Qatari Emiri Naval Force, the Commander of the Qatari Coast Guards, the Commander of the Kuwaiti Navy, the Chief of Staff of the Libyan Armed Forces, the Commander of the Azerbaijani delegation, and the Commander of the Iranian Naval Chief. During the meetings, subjects of mutual interest were addressed, and the need to strengthen bilateral ties in all areas was reaffirmed. The Flag Officer conveyed Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi’s best wishes as well.
DIMDEX, as a premier defense exhibition, welcomes a large number of maritime security/defense services, allowing them to strengthen marine defense cooperation while also presenting their own capabilities in the defense industrial sector. The visit of the Pakistan Navy Ships would promote the country’s shipbuilding capabilities and indigenous defense skills. Cross-ship visits and warship exhibitions were also conducted on the sidelines of the exhibition Middle Eastern Naval Commanders Conference to promote mutual cooperation within the naval fraternity.
The highlight of the trip was the celebration of Pakistan Day, March 23, in Doha. The occasion was celebrated with great enthusiasm. The Qatari Ministers, the senior defense officials, and a large number of diplomatic personnel were honored with a banquet on board the Pak Navy Ship.
Pakistan and Qatar have developed strong bilateral defense ties over the years as a result of several naval partnerships and exercises. The Pak Navy Flotilla’s visit to Qatar will boost bilateral ties and improve naval collaboration and interoperability with the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces.
