USS Monterey, a guided-missile cruiser of the US Navy, visited Pakistan’s Karachi Port and also participated in a passage exercise with the Pakistan Navy, the latter said in a statement.

The visit by the carrier deployed to Fifth Fleet was part of the cooperation between the navies of the two countries for a “safe and secure maritime environment in the region,”  the statement, released on Thursday, informed.

The commanders of the Pakistan Navy Fleet and US Navy officials also held a tabletop discussion during the overnight program.  

 “The visit of USS Mon­terey (CG-61) proved eventful and professionally rewar­ding for both the navies. It is hoped that this visit shall further strengthen relations between both the navies,” Pakistan Navy said in the statement.

Recalling its role for safety and freedom of navigation at high seas, the Pakistan Navy said it has been participating in the Coalition Mari­time Cam­paign Plan since 2004. The Navy is presently undertaking regi­o­nal mari­time security pat­rols to ensure safe and secure seas for the common cause of peace and stability. 

(SAM)