Chief of the Naval Staff Shahid Karimullah said on Monday that Britain has offered to sell three Type-23 ships to Pakistan. Britain showed its interest in selling the ships and "we have shown interest" in purchasing the same, Admiral Karimullah said after talks with his British counterpart Admiral First Sea Lord Sir Alan West. Pakistan's High Commissioner to Britain Dr Maleeha Lodhi also attended the talks. "Now onward we are going to discuss the funding aspect, price aspect and once that is completed then a final decision could be taken," Admiral Karimullah said.
The chief of the naval staff arrived here on Sunday on a 6-day official visit on the invitation of his British counterpart, who had visited Pakistan two years ago.
Replying to a question, he said the focus of his discussion with Sir Alan West was basically on "the training aspect because the maximum training acquired by Pakistan Navy is from the Royal Navy."
"Pakistan Navy requires more surface ships and that is the reason why the government has now concluded a contract with the Chinese for more ships," he said.
Answering a questioner he said Pakistan's role in the fight against terrorism had been internationally recognised and appreciated.
He said his visit to London would further cement friendship and understanding between Pakistan and Britain.
The admiral said that two Pakistani ships would be participating in the UK celebration of Battle of Trafalgar, which he called "flag-showing diplomacy" of the Navy.
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