Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, visited the United States as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral maritime cooperation and defence engagement between Pakistan and the US, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in an official statement.

According to ISPR, the Naval Chief held separate meetings with US Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, Vice Admiral Yvette Davids, and Acting Vice Commandant of the US Coast Guard, Vice Admiral Thomas G. Allan Jr. The discussions focused on matters of professional interest, regional security dynamics, and avenues for maritime cooperation and training.

Admiral Ashraf also visited the National Defence University (NDU), where he met with its President, Vice Admiral Peter A. Garvin. At the US State Department, he met Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs, Mr Stanley L. Brown. These meetings involved “deliberations on politico-military cooperation, maritime security, capacity-building initiatives, and shared maritime interests,” the ISPR noted.

In addition, the Naval Chief addressed a gathering of American scholars and think-tank experts, where he highlighted the Pakistan Navy’s role in ensuring regional maritime security and promoting collaborative efforts.

“The visit of the Naval Chief reflects the enduring defence ties between Pakistan and the United States,” the ISPR statement added, “reaffirming the mutual commitment to promoting maritime security in the region and beyond.”