US officials commended Pakistan’s efforts in the war against terrorism as was its role in creating various initiatives for maintaining peace and stability in the region.
Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah on Friday received the highest US military award: Legion of Merit, a navy press release announced. Admiral Richardson, US naval head, at a ceremony, presented the medal to Zakaullah where a contingent of the US Navy presented him with a guard of honor at the US Navy Yard.
Zakaullah is also an avid sportsman, having been decorated by President of Pakistan with Pride of Performance for outstanding performance in yachting.
Pakistan’s Naval chief also met with Admiral Richardson in a sideline meeting later where both discussed matters of common interests; especially the Indian Ocean situation.
US Navy, in February, participated in the multinational AMAN-17 naval exercise conducted by Pakistan Navy in Karachi last month, for that, Admiral Zakaullah thanked him for the US navy’s active contribution in the exercise.
Admiral Zakaullah also highlighted Pakistan’s role and performance in the fight against terrorism during a meeting with the US special representatives for Afghanistan and Pakistan. Zakaullah said that Pakistan Navy is committed to maintaining regional peace and security in particular.
Earlier, admiral Zakaullah also met with the US senator Chris Van Hollen.
CNS Adm Muhammad Zakaullah called on Senator Chris Van Hollen during official visit to USA & met other dignitarieshttps://t.co/GzIVtlpQpf pic.twitter.com/vnFeqQIK4T
— Pakistan Navy (@PakistanNavyNHQ) March 15, 2017
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Pride of Performance
Zakaullah is also an avid sportsman, having been decorated by President of Pakistan with Pride of Performance for outstanding performance in yachting.
Under his Admiralcy the role of the Pakistan Navy changed substantially, the Pakistani Navy deepened relations with China’s Navy in the Arabian Sea, after the inauguration of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. The Pakistani Navy also strengthened historic relations with the Turkish Navy, through joint drills.