ISLAMABAD: Philippines President Rodrigo Rao Duterte visited the Pakistan Navy Ship SAIF on Friday. Duterte interacted with the ship’s crew and appreciated it’s operational competence. The ship arrived at Port Manila as part of three-day goodwill cum training visit, according to a statement issued by the Pakistan Navy Public Relations Directorate.
Upon its arrival at Manila, SAIF was escorted by a Philippines Navy Ship, and warmly received by a defence attaché comprising officials from the Pakistan and Philippines Navy. President Duterte reached the ship shortly following its arrival. He was presented the guard of honour by a Navy contingent upon his arrival. He was then briefed on the ship’s operational capabilities.
During the discussion, Duterte expressed deep appreciation for the existing cordial relations between Pakistan and the Philippines and stated that such interactions would pave the way in strengthening the bond of friendship between the two countries further. He highlighted that the two countries had maintained close and friendly ties for a long time. Duterte lauded the Pakistan navy’s services to the international community, saying that they helped in maintaining stability, curbing terrorism and ensuring the safety of sea farers through regular deployment in the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea.
Published in Daily Times, December 16th 2017.
