BANGKOK: Pakistan’s Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf on Monday stressed greater collaboration between Indian Ocean nations to exploit the potential of the blue economy.
Speaking at the eighth Indian Ocean Naval Symposium Conclave of Chiefs in Thailand, Admiral Naveed Ashraf underlined the contributions of the Pakistan Navy to regional maritime security.
The Naval Chief also urged for collaboration among regional navies to enhance the maritime security of the area.
The forum Indian Ocean Naval Symposium, Conclave of Chiefs, was inaugurated in 2008 amid growing recognition of the Indian Ocean’s importance for global energy and economic security.
Pakistan joined the forum in 2014 and has since utilized it to work with the naval forces of other countries.
At the forum, the naval chief held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from different nations, including Oman, Iran, Thailand, Qatar, Russia, France, and the UK, to discuss issues of mutual interest.
Blue Economy for Economic Growth
The term blue economy refers to the integrated and sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of ocean ecosystems.
It encompasses a wide range of economic sectors and related policies that together determine whether the use of oceanic resources is sustainable.
