Cooperation between navies vital to counter terrorism, piracy: Prime Minister

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday addressed the participants of multinational 'Aman-17' naval exercise which kicked off in Karachi with 37 countries including Pakistan, taking part in the event, says a press release issued here. While welcoming the participants, Nawaz Sharif said, "I wish to extend a very warm welcome to all the participants who have travelled from across the seas to participate in Multinational Exercise AMAN-17. I am glad that through AMAN series of Exercises, Pakistan Navy has been able to act as a bridge in the maritime domain by bringing together the Navies of East and West on one platform."
The PM said, "Pakistan's geo-strategic prominence capitalised with the launching of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, will become a 'game changer' for the region. This mega project offers multitude of regional and trans-regional economic prospects especially in the maritime sphere. The growing reliance on maritime highways with their enormous economic benefits has accentuated the need for keeping a safe and secure environment at sea."
"The maritime security challenges in the Indian Ocean are both multidimensional and multifaceted. Threats like maritime terrorism, drug trafficking and piracy have acquired international dimensions. Cooperation between international navies, therefore, is imperative to counter these emerging threats. Pakistan being a major stakeholder in maritime security of Arabian Sea is fully committed to ensure freedom of navigation and lawful maritime order. I am confident that AMAN-17 will be a big stride towards this direction," Nawaz added.
"I extend my gratitude to the participating navies for joining us at AMAN-17 in such large numbers. I also appreciate the enthusiastic and vigorous efforts of Pakistan Navy for successfully organising AMAN series of Exercises since 2007. I look forward to a successful and rewarding exercise and thank all participating Countries for taking part in this endeavour of readiness for the promotion of peace," said Prime Minister Sharif.-PR