While welcoming the guests, Commanding Officer of the Ship, Captain Faisal Javeed Sheikh thanked the Sri Lankan Navy and the people of Sri Lanka for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to PNS ZULFIQUAR and its crew. Captain Faisal said Pakistan and Sri Lanka have come a long way in terms of maritime collaboration, may it be in the form of regular interactions, visit of senior officers, training co-operation or participation in bilateral and multinational exercises and exhibitions. We also feel proud to say that number of Sri Lankan Navy Officers and Sailors have undergone range of courses in Pakistan. He said relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka are time tested and based on mutual respect, support and co-operation.
He immensely appreciated the Sri Lankan national and naval leadership who have also acknowledged the importance of strengthening the avenues of mutual collaboration by regularly participating in Exercise AMAN conducted by Pakistan Navy and hosting us in Colombo.
After welcome address, the High Commissioner of Pakistan in Sri Lanka HE Major General Syed Shakeel Hussain (Retd), jointly cut Pakistan Sri Lanka Friendship cake along with Commander Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Admiral Ravindra C. Wijegunaratne, and Commanding Officer Captain Faisal Javeed Sheikh.