Sudan navy chief in Pakistan for discussions on military cooperation

May 17, 2008 (ISLAMABAD) — The head of the Sudanese navy met with Pakistani military officials to discuss the enhancement of cooperation between the two sides.

Sudanese Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Al-Zain Hussein met with his counterpart Muhammad Afzal Tahir yesterday at the naval headquarters.

The Pakistani Navy issued a statement saying that “mutual/bilateral cooperation between the two brotherly Muslim countries were discussed”.

Pakistani media also reported that the Sudanese naval officer also met with the Managing Director of Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works Vice Admiral Iftikhar Ahmed.

The Associated Press of Pakistan said that Hussein “was greatly impressed by the capabilities, quality of work, workmanship and enthusiasm of its employees”.

Hussein expressed interest in having the Pakistani company design some of the ships for use by the Sudanese navy.

Sudan maintains a small naval force consisting of 500 personnel and weapons of defensive nature.

(ST)