The Chief of the Naval Staff of Pakistan, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, recently traveled to the Netherlands, where he engaged with senior military officials. During his official visit, the Admiral met with both military and naval leaders to discuss various professional matters of shared interest, particularly focusing on bilateral defense collaboration.

Admiral Ashraf underscored the significance of strengthening the relationship between the armed forces of Pakistan and the Netherlands through joint exercises and training initiatives. Vice Admiral Boudewijin Boots, the Deputy Chief of Defense of the Netherlands, acknowledged the importance of enhancing military cooperation and advocated for further collaboration in defense-related areas.

Additionally, Admiral Ashraf visited the Royal Netherlands Navy headquarters and held discussions with Vice Admiral René Tas, the Commander of the Royal Netherlands Navy. Their conversation centered on mutual defense relations, maritime cooperation, and regional maritime security.

The Admiral also highlighted the Pakistan Navy’s commitment to promoting regional maritime peace and stability, particularly through initiatives like the Regional Maritime Security Patrols (RMSP) and participation in Combined Maritime Forces. His visit included a tour of the Daemon Shipyard and the Royal Netherlands Navy’s Zeven De Provincién Class Frigate, where he received an in-depth briefing on ship repair and construction operations.

This visit is expected to significantly bolster defense relations between Pakistan and the Netherlands, especially within the naval domain.