Pakistan’s newest warship PNS Yarmook arrives in Turkey

ISTANBUL: Pakistan Navy Ship Yarmook is currently making a port call in Turkey on its transit to Pakistan, reaffirming the historic and brotherly ties between both countries as well as ever-growing cooperation in the area of defence.

PNS Yarmook was extended a warm welcome by the Turkish Navy upon its arrival and was escorted from Bosphorus to Golcuk Naval Base by Turkish coast guard. During the ongoing visit, the Commanding Officer PNS Yarmook called on Turkish Navy Fleet Commander, Surface Fleet Commander, Golcuk Naval BaseCommander and the Mayor of Golcuk.

During these interactions, he conveyed the warm sentiments of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Zafar Mehmood Abbasi, for the people of Turkey and the Turkish Navy.

He also conveyed his gratitude for the wholehearted support provided by the Turkish authorities for PNS Yarmook’s port call. Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and Pakistan Navy’s role in ensuring global maritime safety and security were also highlighted during these meetings.

During these interactions, the two sides expressed their satisfaction at the ongoing bilateral cooperation and reiterated their commitment to continue strengthening their relations in all areas of common interest.

A reception dinner was hosted onboard PNS Yarmook in which the Fleet Commander Turkish Navy, Vice Admiral Ercument Tatlioglu, Ambassador of Pakistan Mr Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi, and senior officers of Turkish Navy along with representatives of Turkish defence industries participated.

Speaking on the occasion, the Ambassador of Pakistan to Turkey, Syrus Sajjad Qazi said that Pakistan and Turkey enjoyed unparalleled fraternal relations and have always stood by one another in the face of all challenges.

He welcomed the ever-expanding defence cooperation between the two sides and assured Pakistan’s continued support for Turkey’s legitimate security and humanitarian concerns in the region.

Commanding Officer PNS Yarmook highlighted the deteriorating human rights and humanitarian situation in Indian Occupied Kashmir. He also condemned India’s illegal and unilateral actions of 5 August 2019 in contravention of the international law and called for the resolution of the dispute.

Corvette PNS Yarmook is the youngest warship and was inducted in Pakistani service with a ceremony held on 13th February in Constanta Romania. The 2300 tonnes vessel has a length of 90 meters and a beam of 14,4 meters and was built by the Dutch company Damen Group.