Islamabad, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of the Naval Staff of Pakistan, participated in the eighth Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs in Bangkok. The symposium focused on enhancing maritime security and sustainable development in the Indian Ocean region.

According to Directorate General Information and PRs – Sindh, the symposium involved panel discussions on maritime security cooperation and the blue economy, with the aim of advancing sustainable development among IONS member states. Admiral Ashraf engaged in bilateral meetings with naval leaders from various IONS member states during the conclave.

These meetings included discussions with the Commander of the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces, the Chief-in-Command of the Royal Thai Navy, the Deputy Chief-in-Command of the Russian Navy, the Commander of the Royal Navy of Oman, the Chief of Staff of the French Navy, the Commander of the Iranian Navy, the Fleet Commander of the Royal Navy (UK), and the Vice Chief of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. Topics of mutual interest, particularly those related to regional maritime security, were the focus of these discussions.

Admiral Naveed Ashraf emphasized the Pakistan Navy’s contributions to regional maritime security and advocated for increased collaboration among the region’s navies. He also highlighted the importance of greater cooperation among Indian Ocean countries to harness the potential of the blue economy.

The Indian Ocean Naval Symposium is an initiative aimed at establishing a formal maritime collaborative forum in the region. Pakistan became a member of IONS in 2014 and has been actively participating in the symposium. The forum provides a platform for participating nations to work collaboratively towards regional peace and maritime security.