Pakistan Navy Chief Undertakes Official Visit to Malaysia for Maritime Security Cooperation
Pakistan Navy Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf paid an official visit to Malaysia, underscoring Pakistan Navy’s commitment to strengthening cooperative maritime security and advancing naval diplomacy in the region. During the visit, the Chief of the Naval Staff held high-level engagements with the leadership of the Royal Malaysian Navy to deepen bilateral naval cooperation.
The visit began at the Royal Malaysian Navy Headquarters, where Admiral Naveed Ashraf was received by the Chief of the Royal Malaysian Navy, Admiral Tan Sri (Dr.) Zulhelmy bin Ithnain, and was presented with a Guard of Honour in recognition of the longstanding ties between the two navies.
Discussions between the two naval chiefs focused on aligning strategic perspectives amid an increasingly complex maritime security environment. Both sides reviewed opportunities to enhance operational coordination, capacity-building initiatives, and joint responses to emerging maritime security challenges. Admiral Naveed Ashraf highlighted Pakistan Navy’s active contribution to regional stability through regular Regional Maritime Security Patrols and its continued participation in the Combined Maritime Forces, reaffirming Pakistan’s role as a responsible maritime stakeholder.
As part of the visit, the Chief of the Naval Staff toured Malaysia’s National Hydrographic Centre, where he received detailed briefings on its technical capabilities and role in promoting maritime safety. Stressing the importance of hydrography in effective naval operations, Admiral Naveed Ashraf called for stronger institutional cooperation between Malaysia’s National Hydrographic Centre and Pakistan’s National Hydrographic Office, particularly in the areas of specialized training, data sharing, and professional collaboration.
Pakistan–Malaysia naval relations, built on shared values and a history of enduring friendship, continue to evolve in line with modern maritime challenges. The visit marks another step toward a more integrated, cooperative, and future-oriented partnership between the Pakistan Navy and the Royal Malaysian Navy.
