A five-day naval exercise kicked off in Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi on Friday with an aim to bridge gaps and operate together in pursuance of shared objectives, local media reported.

Senior navy officials, ambassadors and delegates of various countries attended the inauguration ceremony of the AMAN-19 maritime exercise in which 45 countries are taking part with ships and observers, Radio Pakistan said.

The exercise has two major phases including harbor and sea phase. Harbor activities would include seminars, discussions and demonstrations. A three-day International Maritime Conference will also be held on the topic of "Global Geopolitics in Transition: Rethinking Maritime Dynamics in the Indian Ocean Region." The navies will do practical exercise in the sea during the sea phase.

Speaking at the inaugural session of AMAN-19, Commander Pakistan Fleet Vice Admiral Amjad Khan Niazi said the principle purpose of this exercise is to provide a forum for understanding of each other's maritime concepts, operational cultures and identifying ways and means to combat common threats at sea.

He said the exercises will help foster friendships among participating countries, which will develop and practise common tactics, procedures and mechanics to deal with the maritime threats that affect every country today.

AMAN series of multinational exercises were started in 2007 with a view to promoting regional cooperation and stability, greater inter-operability, and displaying a united resolve against terrorism and crimes in maritime domain including piracy. AMAN-19 is the 7th such exercise being held in the Arabian Sea off-shores of Pakistan's Karachi.