ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Naveed Ashraf, in his visit to the United States, held numerous meetings aimed at further strengthening bilateral maritime cooperation and defense engagements.

The CNS Admiral, Naveed Ashraf, “visited the United States and held meetings with senior naval, coast guard, and state officials,” said a post on X by Director General Public Relations of Pakistan Navy on Thursday.

“Discussions focused on maritime cooperation, regional security, and defense engagement reflecting strong Pak US naval ties,” it added.

A press release issued on Friday by Pakistan military’s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said, Admiral Ashraf’s visited the US “as part of ongoing efforts to further strengthen bilateral maritime cooperation and defense engagements.”

During the visit, the Naval Chief called on US Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, Vice Admiral Yvette Davids, and Acting Vice Commandant of the US Coast Guard, Vice Admiral Thomas G Allan Jr, the ISPR’s statement said.

Maritime cooperation

Matters of professional interest, regional security dynamics, and avenues for professional training and maritime cooperation were discussed during these meetings.

The Naval Chief also visited the National Defence University (NDU) and met its President, Vice Admiral Peter A Garvin.

At the US State Department, the Admiral met Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs, Stanley L Brown.

The engagements encompassed deliberations on politico-military cooperation, maritime security, capacity-building initiatives, and shared maritime interests.

Admiral Ashraf also addressed a gathering of US scholars and think-tank experts.

In his talk, the naval chief highlighted regional maritime security challenges and Pakistan Navy’s contributions towards collaborative maritime efforts.

The visit of the naval chief reflects the enduring defense ties between Pakistan and the United States, reaffirming the mutual commitment to promoting maritime security in the region and beyond, the ISPR’s statement said.

US visit

Maritime cooperation focus of Pakistan Navy chief’s US visit: DGPR