ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United States (US) have resolved to deepen their maritime cooperation and strengthen defense engagements, Pakistan Navy said on Friday.
The statement by Pakistan Navy's Directorate General of Public Relations (DGPR) came after Pakistani Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf's visit to the US as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation between the two sides.
Relations between the US and Pakistan have seen significant ups and downs, but the two countries have come closer in recent months after President Donald Trump brokered a ceasefire between Pakistan and India after their four-day military conflict in May.
Pakistani civilian and military leaders have gained favor with Trump since publicly endorsing him for a Nobel Peace Prize for the ceasefire, with the US president significantly lowering trade tariffs on Pakistan to 19 percent in July this year.
"Admiral Naveed Ashraf visited United States of America as part of ongoing efforts to further strengthen bilateral maritime cooperation and defense engagements. During the visit, the Naval Chief called on US Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, Vice Admiral Yvette Davids, and Acting Vice Commandant of the US Coast Guard, Vice Admiral Thomas G. Allan Jr.," the DGPR said in a statement.
"Matters of professional interest, regional security dynamics, and avenues for professional training and maritime cooperation were discussed during these meetings."
The Pakistani naval chief visited the US National Defense University (NDU) and met its president, Vice Admiral Peter A. Garvin as well as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs, Stanley L. Brown, on a visit to the US State Department.
"The engagements encompassed deliberations on politico-military cooperation, maritime security, capacity-building initiatives, and shared maritime interests," the DGPR said.
The Pakistani naval chief also addressed a gathering of US scholars, at which he highlighted regional maritime security challenges and Pakistan Navy’s contributions towards collaborative maritime efforts.
"The visit of the Naval Chief reflects the enduring defense ties between Pakistan and the United States, reaffirming the mutual commitment to promoting maritime security in the region and beyond," the DGPR added.
