Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — To mark Saudi Arabia’s 89th National Day, Captain Muhammad Akram, Commanding Officer of Pakistan naval ship PNS Alamgir, held a reception dinner in honor of the Saudi naval officers, consul generals, diplomats and Pakistan community representatives on Monday. Acting Consul General of Pakistan Shaiq Ahmad Bhutto and officers of consulate were also present at the occasion. Commander Abdul Rahman represented the Saudi Royal Forces.

The dinner was held on the deck of the ship at Jeddah Islamic Port.

The reception started with the playing of the national anthems of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.

The commanding officer welcomed the guests on board. In his welcome address he thanked the Saudi government for extending excellent hospitality to the officers and officials. He said that every Pakistani has a special place in his heart for Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Captain Akram said the Royal Saudi Navy and Pakistan Navy have a very close professional relationship. He said that navies of both countries enjoyed cordial ties and both the countries have held a number of joint trainings and exercises. He said that Saudi Arabia has 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 added.

Captain Akram said that Pakistan believes in promoting peace and security in the region. It has remained committed to international resolve to maintain stability and to curb terrorism in all its forms. Pakistan Navy, in cooperation with international and regional navies, is participating in multinational operations known as Coalition Maritime Campaign Plan and Counter Piracy deployments. Present deployment of PNS Alamgir is reassertion of Pakistan that the maritime environment is not used for unlawful purpose.

Acting Consul General Shaiq Bhutto said that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have brotherly relations which have strengthened over the time. Saudi and Pakistan bilateral ties have expanded in all fields including defense, trade, investment and other sectors of economy.

The visit of the ship coincided with Saudi National Day celebrations of Sept. 23. All the participants congratulated Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, the royal family and the people of Saudi Arabia on their 89th National Day. Later the Saudi and Pakistani Naval officers commemorated the day and the Pak-Saudi naval ties by cutting a cake, together.