COLOMBO: Pakistan naval ships NASR and SAIF are currently at the Colombo port for a four-day goodwill visit as part of the strong traditional, professional and brotherly relationship between the navies of Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

The two navies also plan to engage in a number of professional training activities during the visit. The Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) SAIF is a SWORD class F22P Frigate of Chinese origin equipped with stateof-the-art weapons, sensors andmachinery making it capable of undertaking a variety of maritime operations while PNS NASR is a leading unit of Pal(istani Navy Fleet`s ninth Auxiliary and Mine Warfare Squadron, said the Pakistan High Commission in Colombo in a statement.

Both ships that arrived in Sri Lanka on March 12 have taken part in a large number of the multinational exercises. The PNS NASR has also extensively participated in tsunami relief operations in 2004.State Minister for Defence, Ruwan Wijewardene, High Commissioner of Pakistan retired Maj Gen SyedShakeel Hussain, Sri Lankan Naval Commander Vice Admiral R.C.

Wijegunaratne and Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr Harsha de Silva, were invited aboard the ships for a diplomatic reception.

Mission Commander, Commodore Zakaur Rehman thanked the Sri Lankan Navy and the people of Sri Lanka for a warm welcome and hospitality extended to the Pakistani Naval ships. Speaking on the occasion, he said that the strategic location as well as the economic health of the country was indicative of Sri Lanka`s potential to become hub of global maritime trade.