Pakistan’s Commodore Muhammad Ihsan Qadir, Commander of Combined Task Force (CTF) 151, recently met the Minister of State & Governor of Muscat, Sayyid Saud Bin Hilal Al Busaidi to discuss ongoing counter-piracy operations and maritime security issues.
The meeting was held at the Governor’s office during CTF 151’s port visit to Muscat after conducting counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden.
Commander of CTF 151, Commodore Muhammad Ihsan Qadir, meets with the Minister of State & Governor of Muscat, Sayyid Saud Bin Hilal Al Busaidi, at the Governor’s office.
The Governor announced his gratitude for the international response to piracy and the efforts of CTF 151, a multinational counter-piracy task force.
Both the Commodore and Governor expressed satisfaction that reported pirate activity has decreased over the last two years and agreed that this was largely a result of the maritime shipping community taking additional precautions, increased stability in northern Somalia and, most importantly, the constant presence of international counter-piracy naval units in the region.
The Minister of State & Governor of Muscat, Sayyid Saud Bin Hilal Al Busaidi, presents the Commander of CTF 151 with a decorative plate depicting scenes from around Oman following their meeting.
However, both leaders concurred that additional efforts are needed in Somalia in order to eradicate the perilous environment that breeds the mentality and criminal opportunities that lead to piracy.
Commodore Qadir said, “The regular availability and broad support functions of ports like Muscat and Salalah have been crucial to maintaining the counter-piracy and maritime security efforts in this region.”
He added, “Meeting with the Governor provided a great opportunity to thank him for Oman’s tremendous efforts and to build on our already outstanding relationship.”
