A three-day International Maritime Conference is commenced in Karachi on Feb 11, 2017. [Photo by Guo Xiaohong/China.org.cn]

Under the auspices of Pakistan Navy and in tandem with Multinational Naval Exercise AMAN-17, three-day International Maritime Conference commenced in Karachi on Feb 11, 2017.

Eminent scholars from Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, UK, and USA gathered to deliberate on the topic “Strategic Outlook in The Indian Ocean Region 2030 and Beyond - Evolving Challenges and Strategies.”

Adviser to Pakistan’s Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz emphasized on the importance of uninterrupted use of seas for the common good. He stated that marine environment is also an essential component of global life support system and investing in marine eco-systems can help us improve ocean management.

Earlier, Pakistan’s Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah in his opening remarks welcomed all guests and participants and highlighted the significant role being played by Pakistan Navy in sustenance of peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region. He said that operationalization of CPEC and Gwadar Port would lead to an exponential increase in maritime activities off the coast. Consequently, responsibilities of Pakistan Navy for maintaining secure maritime environment will also increase manifold. Recent establishment of Task Force-88 is also a step forward in this regard.

Former Ambassador Sardar Masood Khan also accentuated the challenges and opportunities of geo-political and economic trends in the Indian Ocean Region.

The maritime conference was held on the sideline of int’l military exercise AMAN-17, which attracted 37 countries to participate.

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