Pakistan Navy Ship Zulfiqar, with an embarked helicopter, visited Port Aksaz (Turkey) to participate in the Turkish exercise Mavi Balina 2020 in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea between 30 October and 10 November.
This is fifth Pakistan Navy and Turkish Navy bilateral Exercise called Turgutreis-V and Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT).
PNS Zulfiqar was extended a warm welcome by Turkish Naval authorities upon arrival at Port Aksaz which reflects brotherly relations between the two countries.
Mavi Balina 2020 is a multilateral maritime exercise in which ships and aircraft of Bulgaria, Italy, Spain, Romania and the United States also participated. The exercise was designed to further strengthen mutual learning, experience sharing and to enhance interoperability between participating navies.
The exercise was conducted in three phases, i.e harbour, sea and analysis/ closing phase under stringent COVID-19 protocols.
During the stay at Aksaz, Commanding Officer PNS Zulfiqar called on senior naval officials and dignitaries including Rear Admiral I. Kurtulus Sevinc and Flag Officer Commanding Aksaz Naval Base.
During the interactions, Commanding Officer Pakistan Navy Ship conveyed good wishes of Chief of the Naval Staff for the people of Turkey in general and the Turkish Navy in particular.
The Commanding Officer also expressed condolences over the loss of precious lives during the Izmir earthquake. He amply highlighted the illegal occupation of Kashmir by Indian forces and extended his gratitude for whole-hearted support provided by the Turkish Navy and Aksaz Port authorities in making ships stay comfortable.
Pakistan Navy enjoys brotherly and cordial relations with the Turkish Navy in all professional fields.