Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf on Saturday said that a multilateral naval exercise that Islamabad conducted was meant to be a strong message from all peace-loving nations to the terror-mongers that they would not be allowed to disrupt peace and security of the world.
Speaking during a review of the naval exercise, being carried out by Pakistan jointly with the United States, China, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Malaysia and Bangladesh off the Pakistan coast, Musharraf said coordinated joint efforts of the world's naval forces are of immense importance in foiling illegal activities including acts of terrorism.
"The exercise (codenamed) Aman (peace) would greatly enhance inter-operability and harmony among the participating navies for effective joint operations," he said.
Observers from 20 other countries are taking part in the exercise with the nine other countries participating with ships, aviation fleets and gunships.
Musharraf said the participation of such a large number of naval forces was a testimony to the fact that we are determined to make our seas safe and secure.
According to a statement issued by the Pakistan Navy, Musharraf was also presented a 21-gun salute on arrival on the Pakistan Navy Ship, NASAR.
He also witnessed fly past of air elements in which helicopters from Pakistan, Italy, USA and England took part.
Pakistan Air Force Mirage aircraft also took part in the fly past and various tactical moves and procedures were rehearsed.
Musharraf later spoke to Chinese media persons present there and highlighted the strong bonds of friendship between Pakistan and China that he stated were time-tested.
