Speaking in an exclusive interview with Iranian news agency
IRNA in Islamabad, Admiral Naveed Ashraf emphasized the long-standing and
constructive relationship between Pakistan and Iran’s naval forces. He also
indicated his eagerness to further expand and enhance this partnership.
During the official visit of General Mohammad Bagheri, Chief
of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, to Islamabad, Pakistan extended a formal
invitation to Iran for the AMAN-25 exercise.
Tehran welcomed the invitation, reinforcing the shared
interest in strengthening military cooperation.
Admiral Ashraf noted that Pakistan values the contributions
made by the Iranian Navy in fostering stronger regional maritime cooperation.
“We have much to learn from each other’s maritime experiences. As we look ahead
to AMAN-25, the Pakistan Navy is eager to engage in deeper collaboration with
Iran, especially through more focused bilateral and multilateral exercises,”
Admiral Ashraf stated.
“As neighboring nations, we share a strong bond, and our
mutual stance on maritime threats and challenges remains unwavering,” he added.
Admiral Ashraf highlighted his visit to Iran in 2021 and the
reciprocal visit by Iran's naval commander to Pakistan in the summer of 2023.
“The current level of cooperation between our naval forces is commendable, and
I am optimistic that it will continue to grow,” he said.
Admiral Ashraf also discussed the evolving maritime security
landscape in the region. He noted that the geopolitical environment remains
unstable and complex, especially in the context of the region's growing
geoeconomic competition.
“Our maritime security is closely linked to the rapidly
changing dynamics of the Indian Ocean, and we must recalibrate our mutual
interests accordingly,” he explained.
The Admiral also touched on the ongoing threats posed by
actions in the Red Sea, particularly from Israel, which have escalated tensions
and disrupted safe passage through vital maritime routes such as the Gulf of
Aden.
“I believe neighboring countries can strengthen their
collaboration within a focused regional maritime security framework to ensure
that stability at sea is maintained through collective efforts,” Admiral Ashraf
emphasized.
Further discussing regional security and naval capabilities,
Admiral Ashraf highlighted Pakistan Navy's strides in domestic production,
self-sufficiency, and technological advancements in shipbuilding, combat
warships, missile systems, and commercial vessels.
He expressed a strong desire to partner with regional allies
like Iran in areas of mutual interest, including advancing maritime
technologies and capabilities.
The
multinational AMAN-25 maritime exercise is expected to draw over 50 nations,
making it one of the most significant maritime exercises in the region.
The theme for this year is "Together for Peace,"
with a focus on strengthening regional and extraregional cooperation to
maintain maritime order, enhance collective capabilities, and foster mutual
understanding.
On Friday, Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) naval
forces have begun their solo large-scale military exercises in the southern
provinces of Bushehr and Khuzestan, focusing on their coastal waters.
In alignment with the guidance of Ayatollah Seyyed Ali
Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Iran's Armed Forces—comprising
both the Army and the IRGC—have consistently been upgrading their military
equipment and improving their operational readiness.
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