Pakistan, Nato start joint naval exercises

KARACHI (Agencies) - Pakistan and Nato on Monday begun two days of joint naval exercises off Karachi coast in a bid to enhance cooperation in fighting terrorism.
Five Nato vessels - from Canada, Portugal, Spain, Germany and the Netherlands - along with four ships and air units from the Pakistani navy are taking part in the exercises.
The exercises aim at increasing cooperation in counter-terrorism and anti-piracy measures between the two sides.
Pakistan is reportedly planning to send a ship to the notorious waters of Gulf of Aden to join Nato patrols fighting Somali pirates.
Pakistan’s navy Commodore Jamil Akhtar called the joint exercises “a manifestation of good bilateral relations”, adding that Pakistan Navy is “actively participating in the international efforts ensuring safe and secure maritime environment in the region.