ISLAMABAD: Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf visited the United States this week as part of ongoing efforts to enhance bilateral maritime cooperation and defence engagements, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Friday.
High-Level Meetings with US Naval and Coast Guard Officials
During the visit, Admiral Ashraf held meetings with US Deputy Chief of Naval Operations Vice Admiral Yvette Davids and Acting Vice Commandant of the US Coast Guard Vice Admiral Thomas G. Allan Jr.
According to ISPR, discussions focused on regional security dynamics, professional training, and expanded avenues for maritime collaboration between the two navies.
Visit to National Defence University and State Department
The naval chief also visited the National Defence University (NDU) in Washington, where he met its President, Vice Admiral Peter A. Garvin. A group photograph released by the Directorate General Public Relations (Pakistan Navy) captured the interaction.
At the US State Department, Admiral Ashraf met Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Stanley L. Brown. The two sides discussed politico-military cooperation, maritime security, capacity-building initiatives, and shared maritime interests.
Address to Scholars and Think Tank Experts
During his visit, Admiral Ashraf also addressed a gathering of US scholars and think-tank experts, where he outlined regional maritime security challenges and Pakistan Navy’s role in promoting collaborative maritime efforts across the Indian Ocean region.
“The visit of the Naval Chief reflects the enduring defence ties between Pakistan and the United States, reaffirming the mutual commitment to maritime security and stability,” the ISPR said.
Recent High-Level Military Engagements
Admiral Ashraf’s trip follows a series of high-profile visits by Pakistan’s military leadership to Washington this year.
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff, visited the United States in June, August, and September, where he held meetings with senior US officials. During his June visit, President Donald Trump hosted a luncheon in his honour.
In August, Field Marshal Munir accompanied Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for discussions with the US leadership on regional security and counter-terrorism cooperation.
Similarly, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu paid a landmark visit to the United States in July, marking the first official trip by a serving Pakistan Air Force chief in over a decade.
