After the visit of a Russian naval squadron last week, it is now the turn of Pakistan’s largest and most advanced frigate to visit the country.
Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) Tughril (F-261) arrived at Pier 15 in South Harbor, Manila on Monday, Nov. 22, for a goodwill visit until Nov. 24.
The Pakistani contingent was welcomed by a Philippine Navy (PN) delegation led by Capt. Emilio Orio Jr., deputy assistant chief of naval staff for plans.
Dr. Imtiaz Kazi, ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the Philippines, was also present during the ceremony.
Commander Benjo Negranza, PN spokesperson, said the visit will be capped off with the customary passing exercises (PASSEX) during the send-off ceremony.
“This goodwill visit underscores the sustainment of naval diplomacy and maritime cooperation toward peace and stability,” Negranza said.
“It further speaks well for the role that both navies play in the development and enhancement of relationship between the two countries,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Pakistani navy contingent has no other scheduled physical interactions with their Filipino counterparts in light of the existing safety biohazard protocols amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
The PNS Tughril is the biggest and most technologically-advanced warship of Pakistan. The Pakistan Navy imported the vessel from China.
It is capable of conducting multiple naval warfare missions such as surface-to-surface, surface-to-air, and underwater operations.