The Pakistan Navy Ship Zulfiquar conducted a Passage Exercise with the Djibouti Coast Guard as part of its regional maritime security patrol, departing from the port city on Tuesday.
A statement from the Directorate General Public Relations (Navy) confirmed that PNS Zulfiquar had visited Port Djibouti during its deployment to enhance maritime security in the region. Djiboutian naval officials warmly received the ship upon its arrival.
During the visit, the commanding officer of PNS Zulfiquar met with senior military leaders and explored opportunities for further cooperation. The statement emphasized that Navy-to-Navy engagements between Pakistan and Djibouti have been key to strengthening the diplomatic ties between the two nations.
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The crew of PNS Zulfiquar also engaged in “professionally rewarding” interactions with the Djibouti Navy and Coast Guards during the port call.
“Pakistan and Djibouti share a close and cordial relationship based on mutual respect and understanding,” the release noted, adding that the two countries have significant common interests in the maritime domain.
The visit was attended by Djibouti’s senior government and military officials, ambassadors, defense attaches, and members of both the local and Pakistani communities.
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In a recent humanitarian effort, PNS Zulfiquar, while conducting its regional maritime security patrol, rescued the Iranian fishing dhow Al Muhammadi, which had 23 fishermen on board.
The ship responded to a distress call from the dhow, which was stranded in the Gulf of Aden near Yemen. The operation, the Navy said, highlights Pakistan Navy’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of seafarers in the Indian Ocean region.