Blue economy vital to country's better future, says president

KARACHI: Underscoring the significance of blue economy and the effective use of ocean resources, President Dr Arif Alvi said on Friday they are vital to Pakistan’s better future, ARY News reported.

Addressing a three-day multi-national Maritime Conference in connection with Aman-2019 Exercise in Karachi, he said the importance of the Indian Ocean had increased manifold due to the presence of regional and foreign naval forces.

“The Indian Ocean is a strategic route for food, energy supplies and maritime transportation,” the president said. “The presence of regional powers and the current complex security situation signifies its importance.”

He said a peaceful marine region is essential for the protection of marine trade routes.

Appreciating the efforts of Pakistan Navy to secure the country’s maritime frontiers, he said Pakistan’s cooperation with regional and international naval forces in the shape of the Aman-19 is a manifestation of the country’s resolve for global peace.

“Pakistan being an important regional country wants to work in harmony and collaboration with all the countries so that the shared goal of peace, stability and prosperity could be achieved.”

Speaking on the occasion, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mehmood Abbasi said that all the countries participating in the Aman exercises are here with the resolve of ‘Unite for Peace’.

He informed that Pakistan Navy has started providing security to the trade ships in the Gulf of Aden under the regional maritime security patrol in the Indian Ocean.