ISLAMABAD: Pakistani ship “Zulfiquar” arrived at the port in Jeddah on Thursday as part of efforts to strength ties between the navies of the two friendly countries, the Pakistan navy said in a statement.
The Pakistani and Saudi naval forces have enjoyed close relations for decades. The Pakistani navy provided training to Saudi officers and sailors during the Saudi Navy’s formative years, while Saudi Arabia has given the Pakistan navy free-of-cost fuel on many occasions.
On arrival at the Jeddah port, the host navy and Pakistani diplomatic officials welcomed the ship and crew.
“Commander of the Saudi Navy Western Fleet Command and Commander Western Naval Aviation Group visited PNS Zulfiquar,” Pakistan Navy said in a statement.
Before arriving in Jeddah, the ship had participated in bilateral naval exercises with the Moroccan and Algerian navies, which included advanced Maritime maneuvers, Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO), Boarding and Force Protection drills.
Saudi officials also discussed professional matters of mutual interest with the Pakistani ship’s commanding officer, who conveyed a message of goodwill from the Pakistani naval chief to the people of Saudi Arabia, especially members of the Saudi navy.
Earlier this year, Admiral Niazi visited Saudi Arabia to discuss bilateral defense ties in January.
Pakistan navy’s ‘Zulfiquar’ visits Jeddah Port in Saudi Arabia
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Pakistan navy’s ‘Zulfiquar’ visits Jeddah Port in Saudi Arabia
- Pakistan navy provided training to Saudi officers and sailors during Saudi navy’s formative years
- Saudi Arabia has given the Pakistan navy free-of-cost fuel on many occasions
Pakistan’s deputy PM discusses ways to boost economic, trade ties with Iran
- Both countries agreed in August to increase bilateral trade to $10 billion by 2028
- Pakistan and Iran have been working to stabilize relations after strained security ties
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar presided over a meeting to discuss economic and trade cooperation with Iran, the foreign office said on Friday, as the neighboring countries seek to expand ties.
The development took place during an inter-ministerial meeting on Pakistan-Iran bilateral relations chaired by Dar in Islamabad. Pakistan and Iran have been working to stabilize ties following a period of strained security relations.
Both countries have been working to enhance bilateral trade, setting up border markets and exploring barter trade to circumvent banking and currency restrictions. Sanctions and foreign exchange shortages remain key hurdles for Iran, making these alternative systems central to its trade strategy with Pakistan.
“The meeting reviewed ongoing cooperation across a range of sectors and discussed ways to further enhance economic and trade ties,” the foreign office said in a statement.
“The DPM/FM reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening engagement with Iran in key priority areas.”
In December, the foreign ministers of Iran and Pakistan vowed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade and connectivity while working for regional peace.
Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian also visited Pakistan in August, during which both countries signed agreements to increase bilateral trade to $10 billion by 2028.
