UNIPATH STAFF
The Royal Navy of Oman hosted two Pakistan Navy ships at Port Sultan Qaboos in April 2016 for a three-day visit that was part training exercise and part goodwill gesture.
The Pakistan Navy has a history of sharing its expertise with Oman, according to Commodore Mohammed Shuaib, commander of the 9th Auxiliary and Mine Warfare Squadron of the Pakistan Navy.
“Our doors are open to them, so whenever a request is made by the brotherly country of Oman, we will be pleased to entertain it,” he said. Shuaib said Oman and Pakistan are united in their fight against illegal activities at sea, which disrupt trade and pose security risks to the region.
“Unless you have collaborative arrangements between the countries, Oman, Pakistan or any other country, we won’t be able to keep a check on illegal activities, such as drug trafficking, human trafficking and illegal fishing. We are cooperating in this matter to facilitate trade in the area,” the commodore said.
The Omani Coast Guard was included in the training. “This will enhance the capacity of both countries, foster mutual understanding and enhance interoperability,” Shuaib said. He added that more operations are planned.
The exercises were similar to those held in December 2014, when Oman hosted four Pakistani ships in what was described as the largest exercise of the series. The exercise was a response to the growing terror threat and coordinated efforts to thwart piracy at sea.