Pakistan

Chief of Naval Staff of Pakistan, Admiral Asif Sandila has arrived in the Maldives on Wednesday.

The Admiral's visit is in answer to an invitation extended by the Maldives Chief of Defence Force Major General Ahmed Shiyam. The Admiral is scheduled to meet President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik during his two-day official visit.

Admiral Asif Sandila is also scheduled to meet Maldives Minister of Defence and National Security Colonel (Rtd) Mohamed Nazim, says the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).

Admiral Asif Sandila was the commander in charge of the Pakistani contingent that provided relief aid to the Maldives following the December 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami.

Pakistan's Chief of Naval Staff is scheduled to conclude his trip and depart from the Maldives on Thursday night.