JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE-EXERCISE SEA GUARDIAN 2023.

KARACHI – A joint press conference regarding Exercise Sea Guardian 2023 was held at Karachi,
today. Commodore Asim Sohail Malik from Pakistan Navy and Senior Captain Qi Jian
from People’s Liberation Army PLA (N) briefed the audience about objectives, contours
and conduct of the exercise.
Commodore Asim Sohail Malik said that Pakistan and China have always
enjoyed strategically unique and strong relationship. He expressed that this exercise will
further strengthen decades old and time tested friendship of both countries and will also
open new avenues for future maritime cooperation between two friendly navies against
common threats in the region.
While addressing the press conference, PLA (Navy) Senior Captain Qi Jian said
that this exercise is committed to strengthen all-weather strategic cooperative
partnership between the two countries. It aims at enhancing defense cooperation,
deepening professional exchanges, facilitating the establishment of a regular
mechanism for joint exercise along with demonstrating the common mission and
determination of the two countries to defend China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, and
further building a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era.
Frontline Destroyer, Frigates, Helicopters, Rescue Ship, Submarine and Special
Forces from Pakistan Navy and Peoples Liberation Armys are participating in the
exercise.
The exercise is divided into two phases i.e Harbour and Sea phase. During
harbour activities both navies shared their experiences on contemporary maritime
security threats and challenges through various workshops, seminars and table top
discussions.
While, the Sea Phase to be conducted in North Arabian Sea from 14 till 16 Nov
23, would encompass advance level naval operations i.e. maritime security Ops, tactical
maneuvers, various warfare related exercises and Search & Rescue operations to deal
with variety of threats at sea.
First bilateral Exercise Sea Guardian with People’s Liberation Army (Navy) was
held in 2014 and has regularly been conducted each year alternately in Pakistan and
China.