Int'l naval exercise 'AMAN-17' kicks off in Pakistan
The five-day multinational exercise "AMAN-17" (AMAN meaning peace in Urdu) opened this morning in Karachi, Pakistan.
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A national flag-raising ceremony is held at the opening ceremony of the Exercise AMAN-17 in Karachi, Pakistan, on Feb. 10, 2017. [China.org.cn / by Guo Xiaohong] |
Naval officers and soldiers as well as observers from 37 participating countries attended the opening ceremony held at the dockyard of the Pakistan Navy in Karachi. The exercise was planned by the Pakistan navy and will be held in Karachi port as well as in the North Arabian Sea.
“AMAN-17 is an effort to promote regional cooperation, inter-operability and to display a united resolve against multi-faceted threats on the high seas and in the littorals,” said Pakistani Vice Admiral Syed Arifullah Hussaini at the opening ceremony of the exercise.
He considered the exercise a good platform for all navies to exchange ideas, enhance mutual understanding and cooperation.
AMAN-17 exercise, containing harbor and sea phases with multiple-subject activities, was joined by navies from countries including Australia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan, Russia, Turkey, Britain and the United States.
China’s 24th escort naval fleet took part in the joint drill with its missile destroyer Harbin, guided-missile frigate Handan and the supply ship Dongpinghu as well as over 700 troops. It’s the fifth time that China has joined AMAN exercise since its launch.
“AMAN exercise provides a chance for us to exchange ideas and reinforce our communication with other navies,” said Chinese Captain Yu Tao, commander of missile destroyer Harbin. Due to an increasingly challenging maritime environment, Chinese navy should enhance their cooperation with other countries and learn others’ expertise to better fulfill its escort missions.
Initiated and organized by Pakistan, the "AMAN" series exercise has been held every other year since 2007, aiming to boost inter-operability and to demonstrate the allied nation's capabilities to fight terrorism and other maritime threats.
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