KARACHI: A People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy) Task Group comprising three naval ships: Chang Chun, Jing Zhou and Chao Hu, arrived in Karachi on Saturday on a good-will-cum training visit.
The convoy is being commanded by Rear Admiral Shen Hao, deputy commander of East Sea Fleet. The visiting ships received a warm welcome during an impressive reception ceremony, and received by senior officials of Pakistan Navy and Chinese embassy staff. Later, Naval Chief Admiral Zakaullah also visited the PLA Navy ships and met Real Admiral Shen Hao. On his arrival onboard, the Chinese contingent presented him with a guard of honour. During his visit, the naval chief interacted with ship’s crew and appreciated their operational competence. The naval chief said that Pak-China friendship was highly valued and the continued cooperation between them had proven to be a source of strength for the both countries. The admiral added that the visit of Chinese ships was expected to enhance interoperability and maritime collaboration between the two navies. During the stay at Karachi, the officers and men of the ships will hold professional discussion and interaction with counterparts from Pakistan Navy on the subjects of mutual interest. Moreover, official calls on senior Pakistan Navy officers and civilian dignitaries, operational training activities, joint interactive sessions, tabletop discussions on professional topics and social events are also planned. At the end of the visit, a passage exercise will be conducted at sea between Pakistan Navy Flotilla and PLA (Navy) Task Group to enhance interoperability between the two navies.
