Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf participated in the 8th Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave held in Thailand, on December 26, where the discussions primarily focused on fostering maritime security cooperation and the development of the blue economy in the region.
During the Conclave, Admiral Naveed Ashraf engaged in bilateral meetings with counterparts from several countries, including Qatar, Oman, Iran, Thailand, Russia, France, and the United Kingdom, according to a statement issued by the Directorate General Public Relations of the Pakistan Navy.
“Admiral Naveed Ashraf focused on [Pakistan Navy’s] contributions to regional maritime security and emphasized on collaboration between the regional navies,” the statement said.
“He also stressed upon greater collaboration between Indian Ocean countries to exploit potentials of blue economy,” it added.
What is blue economy?
The term “blue economy” signifies the sustainable and integrated use of ocean resources for economic growth, job creation, and improved livelihoods while preserving the health of ocean ecosystems.
The statement from the naval directorate highlighted Pakistan’s proactive utilization of the IONS platform, emphasizing its role in facilitating participating nations to work collaboratively for regional peace and maritime security.
Notably, Pakistan has been involved in the joint construction of the Gwadar deep-sea port in the southeast of the country, with Chinese assistance. This strategic initiative aims to unlock the economic potential of landlocked Central Asian countries by providing them with the shortest access to the sea, fostering greater regional connectivity, and reaping the benefits of enhanced trade opportunities.
IONS Conclave
Established in 2008, the IONS Conclave gained prominence due to the increasing recognition of the Indian Ocean’s significance in international energy and economic security.
Pakistan became a member of the forum in 2014 and has since actively engaged with naval forces from various nations to enhance collaboration.
