KARACHI (Khyber Mail): The inauguration ceremony of the joint naval exercise Sea Guardian-2023, involving the Pakistan Navy and PLA (Navy), took place at the Pakistan Navy Dockyard. Rear Admiral Liang Yang, Commander Qingdao Naval Base, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour, alongside the presence of Commander Pakistan Fleet, Vice Admiral Muhammad Faisal Abbasi.
Vice Admiral Muhammad Faisal Abbasi, in his opening remarks, warmly welcomed the officers and personnel of PLA (N) Flotilla, emphasizing the strong and strategic ties between Pakistan and China, particularly in naval cooperation. The admiral stressed the significance of meticulous planning for the exercise, expressing optimism that Sea Guardian-2023 would enhance strategic cooperation and interoperability between the two navies.
Commander Qingdao Naval Base, Rear Admiral Liang Yang, extended gratitude to Pakistan Navy for hosting Exercise Sea Guardian, anticipating a mutually beneficial and professionally rewarding experience from the joint drills.
The Chinese Flotilla, including naval ships, a submarine, and a submarine rescue ship, along with PLA (Navy) Marines Corps Detachment, arrived in Karachi for the exercise. Sea Guardian-2023 will feature advanced joint drills, naval maneuvers in the North Arabian Sea, and professional and social activities during the harbor phase, involving frontline destroyers/frigates, air assets, and Marines/Special Forces from both navies.
The primary objective of Exercise Sea Guardian-2023 is to exchange professional insights on contemporary traditional and non-traditional threats in the Indian Ocean Region, fostering bilateral cooperation and interoperability between the Pakistan Navy and the Chinese Navy.
The exercise signifies a robust military collaboration between the two nations and is expected to strengthen bilateral ties. The ceremony witnessed the presence of numerous military officials from both the Pakistani Navy and the Chinese Navy.