ISLAMABAD: The United States Chief of Naval Operations Admiral John Richardson conferred the US Legion of Merit (Degree of Commander) award on Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah, who is on an of ficial visit to the US, in a full honours ceremony held at the US Navy Yard.

Upon his arrival, Admiral Zakaullah was received by Admiral Richardson and a smartly turned out contingent of the US Navy presented him a guard of honour, according to a Pakistan Navy press release issued on Friday.

The US Legion of Merit is one of the highest military awards of the US armed forces that acknowledges exceptionally meritorious conduct.

Later, Admiral Zakaullah called on Admiral Richardson in his ofhce at the Pentagon.

During the meeting, they discussed matters of mutual interest, including bilateral naval collaboration and the security environment in the Indian Ocean region.

Admiral Zakaullah thanked Admiral Richardson for the active participation of the US Navy in the multinational naval exercise AMAN-17 conducte d by the Pakistan Navy in Karachi.

Admiral Richardson appreciated the professionalism of the Pakistan Navy personnel and the active role they played in maritime security and stability of the region.

During meetings with Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Laurel Miller, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Political-Military Affairs Tina Kaidanow and Congressman Brad Sherman, matters of mutual interest were discussed.

The admiral highlighted Pakistan`s commitment and performance in the fight against terrorism and the Pakistan Navy`s efforts towards maintaining regional peace and security.

The dignitaries appreciated the role and contributions of Pakistan in spearheading various initiatives for maintaining peace and stability in the region.

Admiral Zakaullah also met Deputy Commander of US Fleet Forces Command Vice Admiral Richard Breckenridge at the US Fleet Forces Headquarters Norfolk Virginia, where he was briefed on the US Fleet Forces Command.-APP