President Dr Arif Alvi graced the opening session as chief guest. Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi was also present on the occasion. The conference is being held in tandem with biennial Multinational Maritime Exercise - AMAN 2019.
While addressing the audience, the chief guest underscored the importance of Blue Economy and effective use of ocean resources as key to Pakistan's future. He stated that Indian Ocean acts as a strategic gateway for food, maritime transportation and energy supplies to the world and the presence of major powers in the Indian Ocean Region (I0R), signifies its importance under a complex security environment.
Appreciating the role of Pakistan Navy, the President said that the collaborative maritime security engagements with regional and extra-regional navies in the form of "AMAN-19" signify Pakistan's resolve and commitment towards global peace and prosperity. Pakistan as an important regional player wishes to work in harmony and collaboration with all regional countries for the common objectives of peace, stability and economic prosperity for the people of the region.-PR