Pakistan Naval Ship Azmat is visiting Sri Lanka from 28 to 31 May 2012 on her maiden voyage to Pakistan after its commissioning in China.
Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) Azmat is a missile fitted Fast Attack Craft FAC (M) and the first ship of the Azmat Class FAC (M)s. The FAC (M) Project encompasses construction of two such vessels, first one at Xingang Shipyard, China while the second at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KS & EW) in collaboration with M/s China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Company, Limited (CSOC) on Transfer of Technology basis.
The keel of PNS Azmat was laid on 01 Mar 11 and the ship was subsequently launched on 20 Sep 11 and finally got commissioned on 23 Apr 12. The shape of main hull and superstructure of PNS Azmat has been designed on contemporary stealth design concept.
The ship is propelled by 4 diesel engines and is capable of attaining 30 knots of speed with excellent maneuverability. The ship is equipped with state of the art weapons and sensors and command and control system.
The Ship AZMAT has 8 officers and 60 CPOs Sailors along with the Commander Ahmed Hussain. Pakistan Navy Ship AZMAT has visited other regional countries Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia before arriving in Sri Lanka as a part of the visit.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka enjoy warm diplomatic and strong military ties. As part of goodwill, Pakistan Naval ships frequently pay port visits to Sri Lanka. These visits further strengthen the existing strong relationship between Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Such interactions also demonstrate both navies’ resolve to contribute towards achieving a more secure and conducive maritime environment which is essential for the regional peace, prosperity and harmony.
Since independence, Sri Lanka and Pakistan have consistently maintained close, cordial and mutually supportive relations especially in the field of defense. Both nations have assisted each other during testing times in their history.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka have comprehensive and mutually beneficial training collaboration for Army, Navy and Air Force. Over a period of time, a strong bond of commitment and mutual understanding has been reached between both the friendly armed forces. In future too, both the brotherly countries are expected to work more closely in the field of defence to boost peace efforts in the region.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka being located in the South Asian region and being members of various regional and international bodies like UN, commonwealth, NAM and SAARC are mutually important for each others. The relationship between Pakistan and Srilanka is based on mutual trust and commonality of interest in maintaining regional peace, security and stability. Pakistan has always supported the unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Sri Lanka. Both countries have shared common perceptions on almost all regional and international issue and are working together on all these forums for shared values and interests.
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