ANKARA, 19 November 2015: Commander Combined Task Force 150 (CTF150) Rear Admiral (UH) Muhammad Moazzam Ilyas is visiting Turkey from 18-20 November 2015. During his stay, he separately met with Chief of Staff of the Turkish Navy, Vice Admiral Serdar DÜLGER, Chief of Operations Turkish Navy, Rear Admiral (UH) Sinan Azmi TOSUN at Turkish Naval Headqarters and Chief of General Plan & Principles, Lt. General Salih ULUSOY at Turkish General Staff Headquarters in Ankara. CCTF 150 also met with Commander of the Turkish Northern Sea Area Command, Vice Admiral Hasan ŞÜKRÜ KORLU in Istanbul.
CTF 150 is one of three naval task forces operating under Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) at NAVCENT Bahrain. CTF 150 is a multinational naval partnership of 30 nations. Its mandate is to promote the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment by countering terrorist acts and related illegal activities.
Based in Bahrain, CTF 150’s area of operation spans over two million square miles and includes some of the world’s most important and busiest shipping lanes, covering the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman and Western Indian Ocean. Pakistan Navy officers have commanded this multinational force seven times. From 30 July 2015, Pakistan Navy has assumed its command for the 8th time.
Rear Admiral (UH) Muhammad Moazzam Ilyas during his interaction with the Turkish Defence Forces leadership highlighted the role of CTF 150 in countering terrorism and anti narcotics and piracy missions at sea. He also appreciated the Turkish Navy’s role in CMF and its efforts and commitment in fighting piracy in the region.
Rear Admiral Ilyas also visited the Embassy of Pakistan in Ankara and met with Ambassador Sohail Mahmood. The Ambassador lauded the effective role being played by Pakistan Navy in maritime security and uninterrupted flow of global trade. This has enhanced Pakistan’s image globally, Ambassador remarked.