Pakistan, Nato hold joint naval exercises today

KARACHI (Agencies) - NATO will begin two days of joint naval exercises with Pakistan on Monday (today) as part of an effort to enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism and anti-piracy measures.
Five NATO vessels, carrying about 800 crew in total, will take part along with four ships and air units from the Pakistan Navy.
Its a diplomatic trip, Lieutenant Commander Alexandre Santos Fernandes said in Karachi Sunday. NATO is willing to establish contact with countries that cooperate in the international effort to counter terrorism, piracy and other organised crime issues.
Speaking on this occasion, Commodore Jamil Akhtar, Chief Staff Officer to Commander Pakistan Fleet, said Navy was making serious endeavours side by side with rest of the world to fight terrorism.
He said that its active participation in the Coalition Maritime Campaign Plan bears testimony to this fact.
He also apprised that Navy is also planning to send its frigate to take part in anti-piracy operation along the Somali coast.