Saudi Naval Chief Visits Pakistan, Reaffirms Defence Ties with Navy Head Ashraf
The Commander of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, Vice Admiral Mohammad Bin Abdul Rehman Al‑Ghoraibi, paid an official visit to Pakistan’s Naval Headquarters in Rawalpindi, where he was received with a formal guard of honour by Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, according to the Inter‑Services Public Relations (ISPR).
Talks on Regional Security and Training Cooperation
In a productive meeting, the two naval leaders explored pressing issues including regional maritime security and expanding naval collaboration.
Admiral Ashraf reiterated the Pakistan Navy’s leading role in ensuring regional peace through its *Regional Maritime Security Patrols (RMSP)* and participation in the *Combined Maritime Force*.
Vice Admiral Al‑Ghoraibi expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s maritime efforts and praised the nation’s naval training programmes, highlighting the high-standard instruction offered to Saudi cadets at the Pakistan Naval Academy. The two officials reaffirmed their mutual commitment to intensify defence cooperation, particularly in training, joint exercises, and operational coordination.
Strategic Significance
The encounter follows a longstanding pattern of brotherly defence ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia—seen previously during bilateral visits and joint naval drills. This visit underlines both countries’ dedication to bolstering maritime security against evolving regional threats.
Such high-level naval engagements pave the way for deeper defence collaboration, which aligns with the broader strategic vision shared by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to enhance military partnership and regional stability.
Outlook Ahead
Enhanced Training & Exchanges*: Plans are underway to expand bilateral cadet training programmes and staff exchanges.
Joint Exercises*: Future naval drills and cooperative missions could include contributions from both countries’ fleets to strengthen interoperability.
Shared Security Architecture*: Both nations intend to build on the framework of the RMSP and Combined Maritime Force to tackle maritime challenges in the Arabian Sea and beyond.
Vice Admiral Mohammad Al‑Ghoraibi’s visit to Pakistan naval headquarters and his meeting with Admiral Naveed Ashraf signal a renewed commitment to deepening naval cooperation. Through joint training, shared maritime patrols, and strengthened strategic ties, both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia aim to play a pivotal role in promoting maritime stability in the region.
