March 17, 2017
ISLAMABAD: Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah, who is on an official visit to the United States, on Friday received the US Legion of Merit in recognition of his exceptionally meritorious conduct, Pakistan Navy said in a press statement.
US Chief of Naval Operations Admiral John Richardson conferred the award on Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah in a 'Full Honours Ceremony' held at the US Navy Yard, read the statement.
Upon the arrival, the naval chief was received by Admiral John Richardson, wherein a smartly turned out US Navy contingent presented him the guard of honour.
Later, Admiral Zakaullah called on the chief of US naval operations in his office at the Pentagon.
During the meeting, the naval chief dilated upon matters of mutual interest, including bilateral naval collaboration and security environment in Indian Ocean. He thanked Admiral Richardson for active participation of the US Navy in Multinational Naval Exercise AMAN-17 hosted by Pakistan Navy in Karachi.
Admiral Richardson highly appreciated the professionalism of Pakistan Navy personnel and its active role for maritime security and stability in the region.
Admiral Zakaullah also met Deputy Commander US Fleet Forces Command, Vice Admiral Richard Breckenridge at the US Fleet Forces Headquarters Norfolk Virginia, wherein he was given detailed briefings regarding the US Fleet Forces Command.
Earlier, the naval chief exchanged his views on mutual interest affairs during meetings with Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Laurel Miller, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Political-Military Affairs Tina Kaidanow and Congressman Brad Sherman.
The admiral highlighted Pakistan's commitment and performance in fight against terrorism in general and Pakistan Navy's efforts for maintaining regional peace and security in particular.
The dignitaries highly appreciated Pakistan's role and its contributions in spearheading various initiatives for maintaining regional peace and stability.