Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — Capt. Shahid Wasif, commanding officer of Pakistan Naval Ship PNS Saif, hosted a dinner reception in honor of Saudi Navy officers, diplomats and Pakistani media and community representatives on board the vessel. Acting Consul General of Pakistan Shaiq Bhutto and officers of the consulate were present on the occasion.

Capt. Tariq Al-Aseeri attended the reception representing the Saudi Royal Naval Force. The dinner was held on the deck of the ship at Jeddah Islamic Port. The reception started with national anthems of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.

Arshad Munir, consul (press) at the Pakistan Consulate General in Jeddah, said the commanding officer welcomed the guests on board. He thanked the Saudi government for extending excellent hospitality to the officers and officials.

In his welcome address, Capt. Shahid said Saudi Arabia had very significant role and position in the region. “Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have long, time-tested and mutually supportive relations. The roots of these relations are founded in people to people relationships,” he said.

Capt. Shahid said Pakistan believed in promoting peace both at regional and international level and “we will always remain committed to this cause”. Pakistan Navy has a mission to safeguard freedom of seas, trade and enhance bilateral relations with friendly countries, he said, adding that PNS Saif’s current visit to Saudi Arabia was a testimony to this resolve.

“The Royal Saudi Navy enjoys unique relations with Pakistan Navy that some of them have been trained together at Pakistan Naval Academy in Karachi. This base provides strength to our bilateral relations,” Capt. Shahid said.

He said the navies of both countries enjoyed cordial ties and both countries held a number of joint trainings, including the “Naseem-ul-Bahr” joint naval exercise.

Capt. Shahid said Pakistan believed in promoting peace and security in the region. The Saudi leadership wanted to further extend the mutually beneficial relationship, he said while expressing his desire to broaden Pakistan Navy’s cooperation with the Saudi Navy.