Abu Dhabi: The Pakistan Embassy in Abu Dhabi hosted a significant reception on the Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) Shamsheer at Cruise Terminal, Mina Zayed Port to commemorate the Defence Day of Pakistan. The event was graced by dignitaries including His Excellency General Salem Saeed Al Jabri, UAE’s Assistant Foreign Minister for Military and Security Affairs, and Brigadier Abdullah Al Mohairbi, Deputy Commander UAE Navy. The reception saw the attendance of members of the diplomatic corps and officials from the UAE government.

According to Press Information Department, Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi and Commodore Shahid Wasif SI (M), Mission Commander, Pakistan Navy, jointly welcomed the guests. During the event, Commodore Wasif highlighted the commencement of the bilateral exercise ‘Nasl Al Bahr’ between Pakistan and UAE navies. The exercise is designed to enhance mutual cooperation, improve interoperability, and build the capacities of both naval forces.

Ambassador Tirmizi emphasized the deep-rooted military cooperation between Pakistan and the UAE, which predates the unification of the Emirates. He noted that this longstanding collaboration has evolved into a robust partnership, exemplified by the UAE Navy hosting the fifth edition of exercise Nasl Al Bahr. Ambassador Tirmizi also acknowledged the contributions of retired Pakistani veterans in fostering this bilateral relationship through various roles, including serving as instructors in the defence sector and other areas within the UAE.

Furthermore, the Ambassador expressed gratitude towards the UAE’s Ministry of Defence for their hospitality and for hosting PNS Shamsheer and Haibat, which symbolizes the strong ties between the two nations. The event also featured a cake cutting ceremony to mark the occasion.