ISLAMABAD, APR 08 (DNA) – Pakistani Naval Warships participated in the Joint Gulf Shied 1 drills concluded in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia, Radio Pakistan reported on Sunday.

Pakistan troops were joined by forces from 24 other countries including Bahrain, UAE, US, Jordan, Kuwait and Egypt.

The military exercise was organised to raise the capability of participating troops when confront threats.

Pakistan remained the leading contributor to the Joint Gulf Shield 1, a reflection of robust bilateral relations between Islamabad and Riyadh.

The two countries have been involved in a number of joint training exercises in recent months, a joint naval exercise in Karachi codenamed Affa Al Sahil was organised in February.

The exercise has been performed annually since 2011 and aims to enhance interoperability and sharpen tactical proficiency in countering maritime human trafficking, piracy and terrorism.